Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading family-style pizza chain with more than 45 years of heritage, has been ranked #6 on Yelp’s Top 25 Pizza Chains in America, an inaugural list based entirely on customer ratings and reviews. This recognition highlights the brand’s enduring popularity and consistent delivery of quality, hospitality, and value across its nationwide locations.
Founded in 1978, Mountain Mike’s has become synonymous with its crispy, curly pepperoni, massive 20-inch Mountain-sized pizzas, and dough made fresh daily. The brand has built its reputation on providing a warm, family-friendly atmosphere where guests can enjoy generous portions and authentic flavors. Being named among the top pizza chains in the country underscores the company’s unwavering focus on guest satisfaction and its dedication to making every visit memorable.
“This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the voices of our guests, whose feedback drives everything we do,” said Carol DeNembo, Chief Marketing Officer of Mountain Mike’s Pizza. “Our customers’ passion and loyalty continue to fuel our growth and success. This ranking reaffirms that our commitment to quality, hospitality, and community—combined with our best-in-class Guest Recovery Process—truly resonates with our fans nationwide.”
A Customer-Driven Honor
Yelp’s debut list celebrates pizza chains with 60 or more locations nationwide, using real customer reviews to determine rankings. In a fiercely competitive pizza landscape filled with national brands, Mountain Mike’s top-10 placement is a clear indicator of its strong customer engagement, product consistency, and brand authenticity. Rather than relying solely on marketing or sales data, the Yelp ranking reflects genuine customer experiences—a testament to Mountain Mike’s connection with its communities.
For decades, the brand’s “Pizza the Way It Oughta Be®” promise has guided its operations and menu innovation. By consistently serving premium ingredients and maintaining a neighborhood pizzeria feel despite its national scale, Mountain Mike’s has successfully bridged the gap between small-town charm and modern franchise efficiency.
Continuing a Tradition of Excellence
The Yelp honor adds to a growing list of industry accolades that showcase Mountain Mike’s rapid expansion and operational excellence. The brand recently climbed to #89 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® list, marking its third consecutive year in the Top 100 and securing the #4 spot in the pizza category—a particularly competitive segment within the franchise world.
In addition, Franchise Times awarded Mountain Mike’s a Zor Award for “Top Sit-Down Pizza”, recognizing the chain’s dedication to in-restaurant dining experiences that foster connection and comfort. The Franchise Innovation Awards also celebrated Mountain Mike’s for its Heart-Shaped Pizza promotion, naming it the year’s “Best PR Campaign.”
Further cementing its leadership, Pizza Marketplace named Mountain Mike’s “Brand of the Year” in its Top 100 Movers & Shakers report, while the same publication placed CEO Jim Metevier among the top executives shaping the future of the pizza industry. The brand also achieved the #32 ranking on Entrepreneur’s Top Food Franchises and #136 on the Nation’s Restaurant News & Restaurant Business Top 500 list of leading U.S. restaurant chains.
Rapid Growth and Expanding Footprint
Mountain Mike’s remarkable momentum is evident in its growth trajectory. Since 2017, the company has experienced exponential expansion, fueled by strategic market entries and franchise partnerships that reflect its scalable business model and widespread appeal. The chain celebrated a major milestone in early 2025 with the opening of its 300th restaurant, signaling continued confidence among franchise operators and investors.
As of the third quarter of 2025, Mountain Mike’s has opened 15 new restaurants, many in previously untapped territories such as Washington, Wisconsin, and Nevada. The company now operates in over 30 markets systemwide, with more than 310 restaurants across 10 states and over 120 additional locations in development across 15 states.
Each new opening extends Mountain Mike’s mission to bring high-quality, family-oriented dining experiences to more communities. The chain’s combination of a proven operational model, strong franchise support, and brand recognition makes it a compelling option for entrepreneurs seeking to diversify their portfolios with a trusted name in the pizza segment.
A Recipe for Sustained Success
The brand’s leadership attributes its success to a mix of innovation and tradition. Mountain Mike’s continues to evolve its menu while maintaining the core elements that define its identity—handcrafted dough, robust toppings, and a commitment to freshness. The introduction of limited-time offerings, regional specialties, and creative promotions has kept the brand relevant and exciting for new and returning guests alike.
Moreover, Mountain Mike’s emphasis on community engagement sets it apart from larger national chains. The company regularly supports local schools, sports teams, and charitable causes, reinforcing its role as a community hub. This grassroots approach, coupled with high-quality food and genuine hospitality, has helped the brand earn trust and loyalty from generations of pizza lovers.
“Our goal has always been to deliver more than just great pizza,” DeNembo added. “We aim to create meaningful moments for families, friends, and communities. Whether it’s a team celebration, a family dinner, or a casual night out, Mountain Mike’s is a place where people can come together and feel at home.”
