Franchising

Mountain Mike's to enter Idaho

Provided

December 15, 2021

Mountain Mike's Pizza has signed a multi-unit deal to enter Idaho 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 add Mountain Mike's Pizza to its franchise portfolio that includes a dozen Jersey Mike's Subs across multiple states, according to a press release.

Five locations are expected for the state, 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," Boris Ilic said in the release. "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."

"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," Jim Metevier, president and COO of Mountain Mike's Pizza, said in the release. "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 operates more than 240 locations.