Joel Libava
Curious what makes a pizza brand truly stand out in 2025?
If that’s the case, check out Mountain Mike’s Pizza franchise. This franchisor just earned a spot most franchise veterans would kill for.
The Ranking That Matters For Pizza Franchise Chains
Yelp recently released its first-ever guest-driven ranking of America’s top pizza chains. Mountain Mike’s claimed the #6 spot nationwide among chains with 60+ locations. That’s not marketing spin. That’s real customers voting with real reviews.
Here’s why this matters for pizza franchise investors: customer satisfaction directly impacts unit economics.
Understanding the Growth Trajectory of Mountain Mike’s Pizza Franchise
Since 2017, Mountain Mike’s Pizza franchise has expanded from a regional player to a 310+ location powerhouse. They’ve cracked 10 states and counting, with 120+ units currently under development across 15 states.
Notably, the brand opened its 300th restaurant earlier this year. Through Q3 alone, they’ve launched 15 new locations in fresh territories like Washington, Wisconsin, and Nevada.
That’s not cautious expansion…that’s calculated momentum.
What’s Driving the Numbers?
Mountain Mike’s pizza franchise business brings a specific product proposition to market: crispy, curly pepperonis, massive 20-inch pizzas, and dough made fresh daily. It’s a clear brand identity in a crowded category.
But product alone doesn’t earn top-10 Yelp status. Chief Marketing Officer Carol DeNembo credits their “best-in-class Guest Recovery Process” alongside quality and hospitality standards.
Translation: They’ve systematized how they handle customer issues. Smart operators know that crisis management protocols protect unit-level profitability.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza Franchise Validation
Industry recognition tells a compelling story. Mountain Mike’s hit #89 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 (3rd consecutive year in the Top 100) and #4 in the pizza category specifically. And Franchise Times awarded them “Top Sit-Down Pizza” honors.
In addition, Pizza Marketplace named them “Brand of the Year,” while Entrepreneur ranked them #32 among Top Food Franchises.
Your Investment Calculus
Consider the unit economics angle.
Mountain Mike’s locations feature party rooms, arcade games, and dine-in environments designed for groups and celebrations. Multiple revenue streams beyond traditional carry-out: in-house delivery, third-party platforms, catering, and private events.
Plus, the model targets family dining occasions, higher average tickets, better margins than pure delivery concepts.
Bottom Line for Pizza Franchise Buyers
A top-10 Yelp ranking in the pizza category signals strong unit-level execution across hundreds of locations. That’s operational consistency at scale.
Finally, with 120+ units in development and expansion into 15 states, Mountain Mike’s has growth infrastructure in place. For franchise buyers seeking established concepts with room to run, that’s worth serious consideration.
(Main image courtesy of Mountain Mike’s Facebook page)
About the Author
The Franchise King®, Joel Libava, is a leading franchise expert, author of "Become a Franchise Owner!" and "The Definitive Guide to Franchise Research." Featured in outlets like The New York Times, CNBC, and Franchise Direct, Joel’s no-nonsense approach as a trusted Franchise Ownership Advisor helps aspiring franchisees make smart, informed decisions in their journey to franchise ownership. He owns and operates this franchise blog.
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