Fast-growing Franchise Chain Elevates Longstanding President and Chief Operating Officer to Top Executive Position
Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading California-based family-style pizza chain for more than 45 years, known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, Mountain-sized pizzas, dough made fresh daily, and toppings to the edge, has appointed Jim Metevier as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Metevier previously served as Mountain Mike’s President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) since 2018 and boasts more than 30 years in the restaurant industry – experience that has been instrumental in accelerating the brand’s considerable sales and franchise growth in the last half-decade. After being acquired in 2017 by new owners Chris Britt and Ed St. Geme, who made several key executive hires, including Metevier, Mountain Mike’s Pizza has emerged from being a notable regional chain to a fast-growing national powerhouse with a multi-state footprint, with nearly 300 restaurants in operation and a robust development pipeline.
“Jim’s elevation to CEO is a natural milepost for the Mountain Mike’s Pizza brand, as he’s already proven himself to be an integral part of our success and growth over the last five-plus years,” said Chris Britt, Principal Owner and Co-Chairman of Mountain Mike’s Pizza. “A charismatic leader and experienced change agent, Jim has developed exceptionally strong relationships with our dedicated franchisees, who embrace his passion for this brand, and we have the utmost confidence he will continue to help maintain our steep growth trajectory.”
“With Jim as our new CEO, Mountain Mike’s is on a path to achieve even more success, and Chris and I look forward to working in lockstep with him in this new role as we elevate the legacy of Mountain Mike’s Pizza and grow strategically throughout the U.S.” added Ed St. Geme, Principal Owner and Co-Chairman of Mountain Mike’s Pizza.
Since Metevier joined the brand as President and COO, Mountain Mike’s Pizza has thrived in myriad facets of business. From brand loyalty and recognition to sales and franchise growth, the recent climb has been truly remarkable for the legacy brand. Throughout his tenure, Metevier oversaw the brand’s operational systems and processes, restaurant excellence and overall guest experience, and brand marketing and development – critical functions that fueled profitability and franchise sales growth. Under Metevier’s leadership, the brand increased same store sales by 32% over the past five years, total system sales by 83%, and surpassed $1.1 million in systemwide AUV, with the top 10% of stores reaching $1.8 million and the top 25% recording $1.6 million. In addition, system sales across digital platforms (mobile web, mobile app and third party) continuously rose and now account for 43% of Mountain Mike’s systemwide sales. According to Franchise Registry by FRANData, Mountain Mike’s Pizza ended 2022 with a FUND score of 915, which was in the top 1% of all evaluated franchised brands and among the top four of all QSR franchised brands. Mountain Mike’s Pizza also signed agreements to open nearly 200 new restaurants with Metevier as COO, including new-state debuts in Texas, Idaho, Utah and Arizona. The acclaimed brand also inked large development agreements in Colorado, Nevada, Wisconsin and Washington.
“I am extremely honored and grateful to work with Chris and Ed in this new capacity to help lead this beloved pizza chain into its next growth chapter, which we know will be underpinned by the consummate passion and execution of our talented franchisees,” said Metevier. “As I step into the CEO role, I will continue to be laser-focused on strategies that strengthen the brand and allow us to ascend to new and yet-to-be-reached heights, including enhanced support tools for our expanding network of franchisees, reinforcing community-first cultures centered around pizza, and introducing more guests to our signature Mountain Mike’s Pizza experience by thoughtfully adding new restaurants throughout the country.”
With nearly 300 units in operation across seven states, Mountain Mike’s is primed to continue expansion throughout the U.S by extending opportunities to new franchise partners looking to diversify their portfolios with a popular family pizza concept. To learn more about new franchise opportunities in your market of interest, visit MountainMikesFranchise.com.
Since 1978, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading California-based family-style pizza chain known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, Mountain-sized pizzas, and dough made fresh daily has been a popular choice for families, serving “Pizza the Way it Oughta Be!” up and down the West Coast. In addition to offering carryout, its own in-house delivery, and four third-party delivery options, Mountain Mike’s provides a family-friendly dine-in environment making it easy for guests to enjoy the brand’s signature experience wherever they are. Most of its nearly 300 locations feature a kids’ activity area with arcade games, dedicated party rooms and big screen TVs throughout, making Mountain Mike’s an ideal place for sports teams, family gatherings, group fundraising events and private parties alike. With a menu of signature pizzas, chicken wings, garlic bread, a salad bar, mozzarella sticks, and a selection of beer and wine, there’s something for everyone at Mountain Mike’s. Guests may also take advantage of streamlined ordering via the Mountain Rewards app to earn exclusive offers and personalized rewards towards free food. For a complete list of locations and the full menu, visit MountainMikesPizza.com or follow Mountain Mike’s on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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