As part of a plan to expand out east, a pizza chain currently based mostly on the West Coast has set its sights on Reston’s South Lakes Village Center.
Mountain Mike’s Pizza has secured a space at the shopping center, and intends to open at 11160-D South Lakes Drive — the former Pet Valu storefront — by the end of this year, a spokesperson told FFXnow.
Plans for the chain’s expansion into Northern Virginia were announced last year, when it signed an agreement to open three new restaurants across Fairfax and Loudoun counties. The Reston location appears to be the first of the three to be in motion.
“Reston is a tight-knit community known for its mixed-use spaces and outdoor recreation, and Mountain Mike’s brings a dining experience perfect for fueling adventures, family dinners, team meetings and more,” the spokesperson said.
The chain, which was founded in Palo Alto, California in 1978, features more than 300 locations across the United States. Only three of them, however, are located east of the Mississippi River.
Mountain Mike’s is perhaps best known for its “signature crispy, curly pepperoni,” though the chain also offers a variety of other toppings like the traditional (Italian sausage, mushroom, onion) to the more unique (linguica, Tikka Masala-marinated chicken).
Other traditional fare, ranging from chicken wings, garlic sticks and more, are also on the chain’s menu.
“With a menu of signature pizzas, chicken wings, garlic knots, fresh salads, sharable desserts, and a selection of beer and wine, there’s something for everyone at Mountain Mike’s,” the spokesperson said.
The Reston location will feature an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet on weekdays, as well as a kid’s activity area with arcade games and plenty of TVs — “making Mountain Mike’s an ideal place for sports teams, family gatherings, group fundraising events and private parties alike,” the chain said.
Specific plans for the two other forthcoming Northern Virginia locations have yet to be announced.
The brand is working with local franchisee Niraj Hemrajani, who hails from Chantilly and has experience operating other business chains locally, according to his LinkedIn profile.
A spokesperson told FFXnow last year that Nemrajani was “in the process of scouting for locations” in Fairfax and Loudoun counties.
