A pizza chain with nearly 300 locations on the West Coast will set up shop in Fairfax County as part of its latest expansion efforts.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza has signed an agreement to open three new restaurants across Fairfax and Loudoun counties, the company said.
Specific locations have not yet been determined, but Northern Virginia as a whole was appealing due to its “tightknit communities, each with a strong sense of family values,” the company said in a press release.
“With every state we enter, we are reinforcing our industry standing as a national pizza brand, but we’re also firmly committed to our authentic, family-friendly brand DNA, which is why we’re being embraced so warmly by local operators and their communities in new markets across the country,” co-owners Chris Britt and Ed St. Geme said.
The brand is working with local franchisee Niraj Hemrajani, a Chantilly man with experience operating other chains locally, according to his LinkedIn profile. A spokesperson says he is currently “in the process of scouting for locations” in Fairfax and Loudoun counties.
“We are proud to partner with a local franchisee to bring Mountain Mike’s Pizza to our next East Coast state,” Mountain Mike’s CEO Jim Metevier said, “and we’re confident Virginia will welcome and enjoy our signature restaurant experience for decades to come.”
Founded in 1978 with a pizzeria in Palo Alto, California, Mountain Mike’s is perhaps most popular for its “signature crispy, curly pepperoni.”
More than a dozen signature pizzas are listed on the brand’s menu, ranging from more traditional offerings, such as meat lover’s and Hawaiian, to unusual toppings like linguica, Louisiana hot sausage and Tikka Masala-marinated chicken.
Mountain Mike’s also serves wings — both bone-in and boneless — as well as salads, a couple of sandwiches, desserts and various sides, including garlic sticks and loaded fries.
“With quality ingredients, bold flavors, and a passion for excellence, Mountain Mike’s isn’t just about pizza—it’s about creating legendary memories,” the brand’s website says.
When it does open in Fairfax County, Mountain Mike’s will join the likes of Domino’s, Pizza Hut and Papa Johns as national chains that have local operations. There’s no lack of competition with local brands either, as companies like Andy’s Pizza, Paisano’s Pizza and others draw rave reviews.
