Mountain Mike’s Pizza: Lessons in Expansion from the Crispy, Curly Pepperoni Kings
If you think expanding a business is as simple as slapping pepperoni on a pizza, think again. Mountain Mike's Pizza, LLC, known for their iconic crispy, curly pepperoni cups (yes, the kind that could make any pizza lover weak in the knees), is venturing into the sun-soaked, humidity-saturated, and fiercely competitive market of Florida. Florida Market Expansion.
The Florida Market: Where Sunshine Meets Pepperoni Florida, with its booming tourism industry and love for all things comfort food, seems like a perfect match for Mountain Mike’s. But entering this market comes with challenges. Just ask the other franchise brands that learned the hard way that sunshine alone doesn’t guarantee a rise in dough (profit margins, that is).
Why Florida? The Business Case for Expansion CEO Jim C Metevier believes Florida is a hot slice of opportunity waiting to be devoured. But as professionals, we know there’s more to this than a craving for “Pikes Peak Pizza.” Florida’s diverse population and thriving economic growth make it a strategic market for any brand looking to scale. Think of it as the ultimate buffet line — everyone wants a piece.
Crusty Humor Aside: What’s the Real Takeaway?
- Support System Matters: Mountain Mike’s boasts an impressive franchisee support system, which they claim is a game-changer. Translation: If you’re expanding your business, having strong operational, marketing, and training structures isn’t optional — it’s essential.
- Community Engagement: The franchise plans to blend into local communities, targeting neighborhoods like Windermere and Winter Park. For entrepreneurs, the lesson is clear: Location strategy isn’t just about foot traffic; it’s about becoming a fixture in the community.
Curly Pepperoni and Customer Experience Their signature pepperoni curls into perfect little cups of savory deliciousness. Why mention this? Because it highlights Mountain Mike’s attention to detail, something every business professional should emulate. Whether you’re selling pizzas or B2B services, the devil is in the details. Or in this case, the pepperoni.
Final Slice of Wisdom Mountain Mike’s expansion is a reminder that business is about taking calculated risks. It’s about knowing your brand, understanding your market, and, yes, having a support system that keeps you from melting under the Florida sun.
Who else is inspired by this expansion? Do you think Florida is ready for more crispy, curly pepperoni? Or does this story remind you of a time your business took a bold leap into new territory? Share your thoughts below!
If you enjoyed this post, check out my thoughts on other workplace trends and how small operational tweaks can have a big impact (https://floridacfogroup.com/blog/)
Author
Don Noble, a Partner at the Florida CFO Group and a technology expert, has an extensive background in financial leadership and advisory roles. Leveraging his wealth of experience, he collaborates with businesses to optimize their financial and technological strategies, fostering growth and resilience in a dynamic marketplace. Don is also a doctoral student studying CFO leadership. You can also visit Don’s LinkedIn Profile for more information.
Reference
Sarah Kinbar (2024, November 5). West Coast pizza chain to break into Orlando with 10-store franchise deal. Orlando Business Journal. https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2024/11/05/mountain-mikes-pizza-franchise-florida-multipli.html
#BusinessExpansion #Entrepreneurship #FranchiseSuccess