Operations

Mountain Mike’s Pizza targets 7% growth in 1st half of 2026

Photo: Mountain Mike's Pizza

August 11, 2026

Summarize with

Mountain Mike's Pizza sustained its national brand momentum through the first half of 2026, driven by franchise expansion, menu innovation and digital growth, according to a press release.

The family-style pizza chain opened nine restaurants across six states during the first six months of the year, entering new markets in Edmond, Oklahoma; Manor, Texas and Nolensville, Tennessee. The brand also signed franchise agreements to develop six additional restaurants, including a three-unit deal in Arizona and a three-unit agreement in South Carolina.

With more than 100 restaurants currently in development across 17 states, the company expects to open approximately 20 new locations in 2026, which would grow its systemwide footprint by nearly 7%.

"The momentum we created in 2026 stems from several years of disciplined investment in the brand across multiple fronts, and we're excited to have built a business that consistently attracts experienced franchise operators, resonates with guests and is being welcomed enthusiastically in markets across the country," Jim Metevier, CEO of Mountain Mike's Pizza, said in the release. "Mountain Mike's is growing at an impressive pace while maintaining the quality menu that keeps our guests coming back to our restaurants to enjoy a dining experience that's defined the brand for nearly 50 years."

The brand reported strong sales from product introductions, notably the Garlic Parm Stuft Crust, which outperformed every limited-time pizza introduction since 2023. Seasonal offerings such as Heart-Shaped Pizzas for major holidays, the Triple Play promotion, and the Zesty Aloha lineup also drove guest demand. In the community, the brand sponsored the Los Angeles Angels Rally Camps and launched its first food truck in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Digitally, Mountain Mike's surpassed 1 million loyalty members in June. Following a transition to a new loyalty platform in 2024, the chain reported a dramatic increase in average order value, driving a 20% increase in loyalty transactions and a 31% active member adoption rate.

"What makes our climb especially meaningful is that it's being fueled by genuine guest enthusiasm," Carol DeNembo, chief marketing officer for Mountain Mike's Pizza, said in the release. "From the overwhelming response to Garlic Parm Stuft Crust and the success of our seasonal promotions, to surpassing one million loyalty members, we're seeing guests engage with Mountain Mike's in more ways than ever, creating moments that strengthen guest loyalty and establish lasting connections to our brand."

Mountain Mike's Pizza has 330 locations.

Included In This Story

Mountain Mike's Pizza

Pizza the Way It Oughta Be!

For over 45 years, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading family-style pizza chain known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis and Mountain-sized pizzas, has been quietly building one of the largest regional pizza franchises in the West. Today we're developing coast-to-coast with 300+ restaurants, and we're primed for explosive growth nationwide

Request Info

Learn More