Mountain Mike’s Pizza Signs Multi-unit Deal To Enter Idaho

Jessica Woods

Mountain Mike's Pizza Approaches 250 Locations with Restaurants Opening Soon in Idaho
Mountain Mike’s Pizza Approaches 250 Locations with Restaurants Opening Soon in Idaho

Leading Family-Style Pizza Chain Inks Five-Unit Agreement with Veteran Franchise Operators

Newport Beach, CA  (-)  Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading California-based family-style pizza chain for more than 40 years, known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, Mountain-sized pizzas, and dough made fresh daily will soon be serving its iconic pizzas in Idaho! The acclaimed pizza brand has announced a multi-store deal with Gem State Pies, Inc. – owned by prominent multi-brand operators and entrepreneurs Boris and Laurie Ilic along with Travis and Alyssa Trask. The group will proudly add Mountain Mike’s Pizza to its thriving franchise portfolio that includes a dozen Jersey Mike’s Subs across multiple states. Gem State Pies’ agreement with Mountain Mike’s Pizza paves the way for the beloved family- and community-focused pizza chain to dot Idaho’s Treasure Valley with five locations, starting with a Meridian restaurant expected to open in early 2022. A second Mountain Mike’s will follow in Downtown Boise mid-year. Gem State Pies expects to have four of its five stores open before the end of 2022.

“It truly is a privilege to bring Mountain Mike’s and their sensational pizza to Idaho for the first time, and we could not be more excited for the opportunity to complement the growing Treasure Valley with a family-friendly restaurant that is experiencing its own remarkable growth,” said longtime Idaho resident Boris Ilic for Gem State Pies. “As we looked at expanding our franchise portfolio, we explored many restaurant opportunities, but Mountain Mike’s Pizza stood out from the rest, especially given our desire to take a proven recipe for success and replicate it.”

The past two years have shown that the time for qualified franchisees to pursue a successful, resilient and sought-after pizza concept like Mountain Mike’s Pizza has never been better. The pizza segment is booming, and the demand for Mountain Mike’s mouthwatering pizzas and family-friendly atmosphere is growing, especially in Idaho where there is a need for more modern community-centric restaurants like Mountain Mike’s Pizza. With several multi-unit development deals already in motion in eight states throughout the Western U.S., a uniquely attractive opportunity awaits new franchisees interested in joining the Mountain Mike’s Pizza franchise family. Beyond Idaho, the brand recently announced plans to develop in Colorado, Arizona and Texas as it continues to experience record sales and new unit growth.


“We are climbing the mountain alongside experienced and family-minded business leaders like the team at Gem State Pies, whose considerable commitment and vision allow us to deliver our brand and our signature experience of enjoying ‘Pizza The Way it Oughta Be’ to Idahoans throughout the state,” said Jim Metevier, President and Chief Operating Officer of Mountain Mike’s Pizza. “As we track toward $250 million in total system sales and near 250 locations, our valued franchise partners continue to fuel our expansion efforts, and we are excited to be an attractive business opportunity for potential new restaurateurs who see extraordinary value in our family- and community-focused brand.”

Mountain Mike’s has earned impressive recognition and high rankings across a variety of industry-leading reports, including Franchise Times, Nation’s Restaurant News, Entrepreneur, Fast Casual, QSR Magazine, and Restaurant Business, among many others. The brand has been named an emerging leader in the pizza space and one of the hottest franchise categories of 2021. In fact, one leading industry publication has referred to the pizza segment as recession and pandemic-proof – a statement in many ways validated by Mountain Mike’s incredibly strong performance in 2020 and 2021.

To build upon the brand’s success while satisfying consumer demand for higher-quality pizza and family-friendly dining options, Mountain Mike’s is extending opportunities to new franchise partners looking to diversify their franchise brand portfolios with a popular family pizza concept. Mountain Mike’s has opened 16 new restaurants in 2021 with another seven expected to open between now and the end of the year. The soon-to-be-over 250-unit franchised pizza brand is primed to continue expansion west of the Mississippi in states that have been identified as prime markets for the established, fast-growing brand. To learn more about new franchise opportunities in your market of interest, visit www.mountainmikespizza.com/franchising.

About Mountain Mike’s Pizza

Mountain Mike's Pizza Signs Multi-unit Deal To Enter IdahoSince 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 more than 240 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, bone-in wings, garlic bread, salads, mozzarella sticks, and a selection of beer and wine, there’s something for everyone at Mountain Mike’s. For a complete list of locations and the full menu, visit www.mountainmikespizza.com or follow Mountain Mike’s on FacebookTwitter and Instagram. To learn more about investing with the brand, visit www.mountainmikesfranchise.com.

Media Contact:
Kristyna Otto
Powerhouse Communications
kristyna@powerhousecomm.com
949-261-2216

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