Mountain Mike’s Pizza has been serving up hot, cheesy goodness for nearly five decades, and honestly, it’s earned a special place in the hearts of families across the western United States. If you’ve ever bitten into their famous crispy, curly pepperoni, you already know what all the fuss is about.
Here’s the thing though — a lot of people know the name but don’t really know the story behind it. So let’s fix that. This post walks you through the history, the menu, the locations, and the reasons this pizza franchise keeps growing year after year.
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A Quick Look at Mountain Mike’s Pizza
At its core, Mountain Mike’s is a family pizza restaurant chain that started small and grew big. It’s known for its laid-back, welcoming vibe and food made with fresh ingredients.
To be honest, what sets it apart from the giant national brands is the local, community feel. It’s the kind of place you go to celebrate a Little League win or just kick back and watch the big game.
The Story Behind the Brand
The first Mountain Mike’s Pizza opened in 1978 in Palo Alto, California. It was founded by a man named Thomas Van Buskirk, who had a simple dream — create a spot where families, friends, and sports fans could gather over a great pizza.
That single pizzeria was the start of something much bigger. Over 45 years, it grew from one shop into a beloved West Coast pizza chain with hundreds of locations.
The 2017 Ownership Change
In 2017, the company was acquired by Chris Britt and Ed St. Geme, two college friends who saw huge potential in the brand. Britt, a California native from Orange County, had already built success with businesses like Boot Barn and Signature Theatres.
What’s interesting is that the pair didn’t just maintain the brand — they poured energy into growing it. Under their leadership, Mountain Mike’s crossed the 200-unit milestone and doubled its new-unit growth in 2018.
Key Facts About Mountain Mike’s Pizza
Sometimes it’s easier to see the important details laid out plainly. Here’s a quick reference table.
|
Detail |
Information |
|---|---|
|
Type |
Private |
|
Founded |
1978 |
|
Founder |
Thomas Van Buskirk |
|
Headquarters |
Newport Beach, California |
|
CEO |
Jim Metevier |
|
Owners |
Chris Britt & Ed St. Geme |
|
Locations |
300+ |
|
Revenue |
$1.1M average per location (2022) |
What’s on the Menu?
Let’s talk food, because that’s really why we’re all here. Mountain Mike’s keeps things classic but does them well.
The star of the show is the pizza, and you’ve got tons of options to build your perfect pie. But the menu goes beyond just pizza too.
The Famous Crispy, Curly Pepperoni
If there’s one thing Mountain Mike’s is truly known for, it’s the legendary crispy, curly pepperoni. When it bakes, the edges curl up and crisp beautifully, creating little cups of flavor.
Fans go crazy for it, and honestly, once you try it, you get why. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
Beyond the Pizza
You’re not stuck with just pizza either. The menu includes:
- Chicken wings
- Garlic sticks
- Dessert pizzas
- A fresh salad bar
- A lunch buffet at many locations
That lunch buffet is a favorite for folks who want variety without breaking the bank. And the salad bar is a nice touch for anyone balancing out all that cheesy goodness.
Specialty Pizza Options
Beyond build-your-own, there’s a whole lineup of specialty pizza combos. These are crowd-pleasers designed to take the guesswork out of ordering.
Whether you want loaded meat toppings or something veggie-forward, there’s a signature pie waiting for you.
Where Can You Find Mountain Mike’s?
This California pizza chain has spread its wings well beyond its home state. As of late 2023, Mountain Mike’s had around 300 locations across 10 states.
You can find restaurants in:
- California
- Arizona
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Utah
- Texas
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Idaho
- Colorado
Most of the action is still in Northern California, where it all began. But Southern California is well covered too, including Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, Orange County, and five spots in San Diego.
The Franchise Growth Story
Mountain Mike’s runs on a fully franchised model, which basically means local owners operate each restaurant. This approach has helped it grow quickly while keeping that neighborhood feel.
The pizza franchise really picked up steam after the 2017 acquisition. Doubling new-unit growth in a single year is no small feat, and it shows how much demand there was for the brand.
Why the Franchise Model Works
Here’s the thing about franchising — it lets passionate local operators run the show. That means the people serving your pizza actually care about the community they’re in.
It’s a big reason why Mountain Mike’s has managed to expand without losing its personality along the way.
A Family-Friendly Atmosphere
One of the biggest draws is the cozy, family-oriented atmosphere. This isn’t a stuffy sit-down spot or a rushed fast-food counter.
It’s somewhere you can bring the kids, spread out at a table, and actually enjoy your meal. Birthdays, team celebrations, and casual weeknight dinners all feel right at home here.
The Sports Fan Culture
If you’re a sports fan, you’ll feel right at home. Mountain Mike’s has long branded itself as the pizzeria of choice for game day.
Big screens, cold drinks, and plenty of pizza to share — it’s basically the perfect setup for watching your team. To be honest, that game-day energy is part of what makes the brand so lovable.
Awards and Recognition
Good food gets noticed, and Mountain Mike’s has picked up some solid recognition over the years.
FRANdata TopScore FUND Award
On March 21, 2024, the chain received FRANdata’s annual TopScore FUND Award. This honor recognized its industry-leading support for financing and lending opportunities for franchisees.
In plain terms, it’s a sign the brand takes good care of the people who invest in it. That kind of support helps franchises succeed long term.
Yelp’s Top Pizza Brands
On October 3, 2025, Yelp included Mountain Mike’s on its list of the Top Pizza Brands in America, landing at #6. That’s impressive company for a regional chain competing against national giants.
It’s proof that fresh ingredients and genuine community focus can go a long way.
Delivery, Dine-In, and Takeout
You’ve got options when it comes to grabbing your food. Many locations offer pizza delivery, takeout, and dine-in service.
The brand has actually leaned into its dine-in experience, which fits its family-restaurant roots. Still, if you’d rather stay home and watch the game on your own couch, delivery has your back.
Why People Keep Coming Back
So what keeps this West Coast pizza chain thriving after all these years? A few things stand out.
- Fresh, quality ingredients in every pie
- That famous crispy, curly pepperoni
- A warm, family-friendly vibe
- Friendly service from local operators
- Strong ties to the local community
When you add it all up, you get a brand that feels genuine. That authenticity is hard to fake, and customers clearly notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Mountain Mike’s Pizza?
Mountain Mike’s Pizza was founded by Thomas Van Buskirk in 1978. The very first location opened in Palo Alto, California.
Who owns Mountain Mike’s Pizza now?
Chris Britt and Ed St. Geme acquired the company in 2017. Jim Metevier currently serves as the CEO, guiding its ongoing growth.
What is Mountain Mike’s Pizza famous for?
It’s best known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperoni that crisps up during baking. The family pizza restaurant is also loved for its welcoming, sports-friendly atmosphere.
How many Mountain Mike’s locations are there?
The chain has more than 300 locations across 10 states. These include California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, Idaho, and Colorado.
Does Mountain Mike’s offer more than pizza?
Absolutely. Besides specialty pizza, you’ll find chicken wings, garlic sticks, dessert pizzas, a salad bar, and a lunch buffet at many spots.
Final Thoughts
Mountain Mike’s Pizza proves that a small idea, done with heart, can grow into something legendary. From that first shop in Palo Alto to hundreds of restaurants today, it has stayed true to fresh food, friendly service, and good times.
If you’re craving quality pizza in a cozy setting — or just want to catch the game with a great slice in hand — this California pizza chain is worth a visit. You can learn even more about its history and background on the official Mountain Mike’s Pizza Wikipedia page, which digs deeper into the brand’s story and growth.
