California chain to bring ‘mountain-sized’ pizzas to Tampa, Sarasota

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A pizza chain with hundreds of stores along the West Coast has set its sights on Florida for expansion.

Known for its 20-inch “mountain-sized” pizzas and crispy, curly pepperonis, Mountain Mike’s Pizza announced that it had struck a deal with two Florida entrepreneurs earlier in October.

The 10-unit agreement with multi-brand operators Sean Morrison, CEO of BizBox Restaurant Group, and Ned Algeo, Founder of Multipli Capital, will bring new locations to Orlando, Tampa and Sarasota.

“After nearly five decades of success and many milestones, the strong reputation we’ve established throughout the West is broadening to encompass other regions, and we’re thrilled to bring Mountain Mike’s Pizza to Florida,” Jim Metevier, CEO of Mountain Mike’s Pizza, said in a statement.

The first Florida restaurant is expected to open as soon as 2025, according to the business.

In addition to the Sunshine State, Mountain Mike’s has development agreements in motion in more than a dozen states, including recent deals in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

The chain offers several Mountain-themed pizzas like the “Pikes Peak,” a pie topped with mounds of Italian sausage and other meats, and the “Snowy Apls,” featuring a mix of vegetables, meats and garlic sauce.

At lunch, customers can indulge in an all-you-can-eat pizza and salad bar buffet. Other menu items include wings, fries, sandwiches and a variety of desserts.

“We expect Mountain Mike’s to reach new heights in Florida’s booming, entrepreneurial economy, and we are confident that new guests throughout the state will appreciate and enjoy our high-quality menu offerings, unmatched dine-in experience and community involvement,” Metevier said.

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