Mountain Mike’s Pizza may have earned its reputation on the West Coast, but the nearly 50-year-old family-style pizza chain is showing it is built for national success. Known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperoni, 20-inch “Mountain-sized” pizzas, and dough made fresh daily, the brand’s family-focused approach and premium positioning are resonating well beyond its California roots, particularly in the Midwest and Southeast.

The momentum is more than just anecdotal. In 2025, Mountain Mike’s recorded one of the strongest years in its history. According to RestaurantNews.com, the brand opened 24 new restaurants (the most in company history), entered six new markets, and celebrated its milestone 300th location. By year’s end, Mountain Mike’s was operating coast to coast in more than 30 markets, with over 100 additional units in development across 16 states. The company plans to open 25 additional restaurants in 2026, continuing its steady national expansion and moving closer to its goal of surpassing 400 units by the end of 2027.

That growth is already evident in the Midwest and Southeast. Oklahoma welcomed its first Mountain Mike’s in Midwest City, marking the brand’s entry into the state and paving the way for further development.

In Tennessee, multi-unit agreements in the Nashville area highlight confidence in the concept’s appeal in the Southeast, with development planned for Nolensville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, and Brentwood.

Wisconsin is emerging as a Midwest growth corridor, with development activity in the Green Bay and Milwaukee regions.

Beyond these individual openings, franchising data shows the company actively targeting additional development in states like Tennessee, Arkansas, Florida, Virginia, and more, signaling a deliberate push into Southeastern and Midwestern markets hungry for a high-quality family pizza concept.

Importantly for prospective entrepreneurs, the brand’s expansion is supported by third-party validation. According to FRANdata, a leading franchise research and advisory firm, Mountain Mike’s earned a FUND® Score of 915 in both 2022 and 2024, placing it among the top 1% of all evaluated franchise systems. The brand received the fourth-highest FUND score across all industries, ranked #2 in the quick-service restaurant category, and #1 in the pizza segment. The FUND score evaluates franchisor performance, stability, and growth potential, offering entrepreneurs an independent benchmark of system strength.

For investors in the Midwest and Southeast seeking a proven concept with measurable performance indicators, strong brand identity, and expanding national infrastructure, Mountain Mike’s presents a compelling opportunity. 

To explore available territories and download the Franchise Information Report, visit the Mountain Mike’s franchising website and see how this growing brand may align with your development goals.