Getting older hasn’t slowed down Mountain Mike’s Pizza one bit. If anything, growth keeps accelerating for the western U.S. chain. It may have turned 45 this year but, according to its owners, the brand has become a “national pizza powerhouse.”
Helmed by Jim Metevier, recently elevated from president and COO to CEO, Mountain Mike’s is ready to open its first stores east of the Mississippi River. Wisconsin will be the 10th state to host Mountain Mike’s restaurants, the company announced, thanks to a pair of three-unit development deals.
The Milwaukee- and Green Bay-area agreements were inked with brothers Jasmeet and Ranbir Shergill, first-time Mountain Mike’s franchisees who expect to open their first location in Green Bay before the end of the year.
Related: Is Zalat Pizza a top 10 brand in the making?
Over the past five years, the Mountain Mike’s brand has increased same-store sales by 32% and total system sales by 83%. The company reported last month that it surpassed $1.1 million in systemwide AUV, with the top 10% of stores reaching $1.8 million and the top 25% at $1.6 million.
“Now more than ever, we are an attractive opportunity for talented and experienced franchisees like Jasmeet and Ranbir, who reinforce our longstanding reputation as a memorable dining destination for guests celebrating a milestone, gathering with sports teams, raising funds for local organizations or simply sharing a great meal with friends and family,” Metevier said.
In a statement, Principal Owners Chris Britt and Ed St. Geme said Mountain Mike’s is now a “national pizza powerhouse that’s well-positioned for even more growth.” In fact, they added, “Anyone who perceives Mountain Mike’s Pizza as a regional player can no longer accept that as reality.”
The company now has nearly 300 hundred franchise units and plans to open “many more” in “prime coast-to-coast markets.”
