This article was inspired by content originally published on Qsrmagazine
Introduction
When West Coast favorite Mountain Mike’s Pizza announced plans to open its first-ever Wisconsin location in Greenfield, it signaled more than just a new place to grab a pepperoni pie. It’s a glimpse into how beloved regional brands can take bold steps into fresh territory and what that means for enthusiasts craving new flavors, suppliers eyeing partnerships, and independent shop owners studying what works.
QSR Magazine recently reported that Mountain Mike’s is bringing its hearty, mountain-sized pizzas, famous crispy pepperoni cups, and family-friendly sports bar vibe to America’s Dairyland and they’re not coming quietly. With over 300 locations on the West Coast, they’ve cracked the code on growing big without losing the warm neighborhood feel. Here’s what you can take away from their expansion strategy, wherever your pizza journey leads.
A West Coast Classic Heads East
If you’re a pizza lover in Wisconsin, you know your cheese. Mountain Mike’s is betting you’ll appreciate their generous layers of mozzarella and their signature pepperoni curls that crisp perfectly around the edges. But even if you’re nowhere near Greenfield, there’s a lesson here: regional pizza styles travel well when they stay true to what makes them special.
Want to recreate that crispy-cup pepperoni look at home? Use high-fat deli-style pepperoni slices, and bake at a high temperature on a pre-heated pizza steel for an extra char. Consider a reliable home oven like the Ooni Karu Multi-Fuel it can hit the temps you need to get that Mountain Mike’s finish. And don’t skimp on the cheese a good low-moisture mozzarella from a specialty supplier will melt just right.
Partnerships Matter So Does Local Trust
Mountain Mike’s expansion hints at opportunities for suppliers, too. When a big brand enters a new market, they often seek local partnerships to deliver on freshness and flavor consistency. For Wisconsin cheese producers, this could mean bulk deals with a brand that prizes premium toppings.
If you’re an ingredient supplier looking to build relationships with growing pizza chains, tools like Cargill’s Food Ingredients Hub can help scale your outreach and find buyers who care about local sourcing. Plus, with sustainability gaining traction, suppliers who highlight clean labels, local farms, and low-carbon transport can position themselves as ideal partners for regional expansions.
What Can Indies Learn from Mountain Mike’s?
Mountain Mike’s model blends nostalgia with modern family dining something any neighborhood pizza shop can study. Their big-screen sports TVs, community fundraiser nights, and “party-sized” pizzas feed both families and local teams.
For independent pizzerias, the takeaway is clear: people crave pizza places that feel like home base for Friday nights, birthday parties, and after-school celebrations. Look at your layout do you have room to host local teams or family gatherings? If not, could a cozy back room or patio be an option?
Also, Mountain Mike’s leans heavily into online ordering and delivery a must-have in today’s market. If you’re still juggling phone orders and outdated POS systems, consider investing in an integrated solution like Square for Restaurants to streamline dine-in, takeout, and delivery.
A smart Pizza Pro Tip for shop owners: If you’re expanding your family-friendly vibe, keep your restrooms spotless, train staff to handle big groups efficiently, and stock up on disposable plates and kid-friendly cups all small details that keep families coming back.
Regional Brands Are on the Move
Mountain Mike’s leap into Greenfield isn’t a one-off. It’s part of a bigger trend: established pizza chains targeting new, underserved markets while staying authentic to what makes them special. For the broader pizza industry, this means the competition (and opportunity) is heating up.
Local shops can hold their own by emphasizing local ingredients, hyper-personal customer service, and a memorable experience that chains can’t always replicate. For suppliers, it’s a chance to pitch premium ingredients and delivery logistics that help these brands adapt to new regional tastes. And for enthusiasts, it’s just more delicious pies to try and maybe a reason to plan that next road trip.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article was inspired by content originally published on Qsrmagazine. This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase them.
