Entrepreneurs seeking franchise opportunities should know which industries are currently growing and which are most adaptable to market changes. Quick-service pizza is considered virtually recession-proof (and, more recently, “pandemic-proof”) for several reasons:

• Relatively low cost to consumers
• A product beloved by multiple economic and cultural demographics
• Longstanding carryout and delivery tradition that continued throughout restrictions on in-store dining

Potential franchisees in the pizza business—especially entrepreneurs based in California and neighboring states—should consider Mountain Mike’s Pizza, the longtime West Coast icon that is now growing and expanding rapidly. Our latest major recognition is being named a 2021 Best Pizza Franchise Deal in the annual QSR report The Best Franchise Deals of 2021 (Special Report from the Editors of Food News Media). Mountain Mike’s ranked #5 on the list, with an AUV of nearly $1M ($946,727 to be precise), system-wide sales of $206,113,256 and 228 restaurants at time of report-data finalization (over a dozen more locations have since opened).

Our rapid expansion continues: the number of Mountain Mike’s restaurants is projected to pass 250 by the end of 2021 with 25 new locations for the year (up from 13–18 per year during the previous four years). We currently have restaurants operating in four states and additional franchise development deals in four others, with more to come: our five-year business plan includes reaching 500+ franchise restaurant locations and becoming recognized as a national brand. With dine-in options (one of our classic trademarks) open again, and with group events coming back, income and opportunities will continue to increase.

“We’re no longer the best-kept secret in pizza,” says co-CEO Chris Britt. “As a top dining destination for families, groups and sports fans, we are elated to see such strong interest in the brand in a growing number of states in the West and across the U.S.”

Part of the secret to Mountain Mike’s rapid growth, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, was adapting quickly to the explosion in carryout and delivery demand, plus the demands for contactless delivery and easier digital transactions. We continue to update our services and respond to current market needs: our latest innovation is a “mobile loyalty” app that customizes special offers to individual tastes.

Good franchisor–franchisee relationships are another major aspect of the brand’s success, says Britt. “Our job is to support our franchisees and provide really great opportunities for new folks to come into the system,” folks with “interest in getting out in the community [and with] passion for guest service.” Every successful business owner knows that people come first. Any aspiring pizza-restaurant operator who is passionate about service, and who shares our other priorities, is welcome to become a franchisee with Mountain Mike’s Pizza.

Join the Best Pizza Franchise 

There’s never been a better time to join the Mountain Mike’s brand, as we continue to expand our territory and popularity. We support our franchisees through operations coaching, an excellent business model and an emphasis on “Pizza the Way It Oughta Be.” Learn more at our franchise FAQ page.