Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a restaurant chain based in Newport Beach, Calif., announced on Wednesday that it had promoted president and chief operating officer Jim Metevier, to CEO.
Metevier, left, had been in his previous role since 2018, and in total has been in the restaurant industry for more than 30 years.
“Jim’s elevation to CEO is a natural milepost for the Mountain Mike’s Pizza brand, as he’s already proven himself to be an integral part of our success and growth over the last five-plus years,” said principal owner and co-chairman Chris Britt in a statement. “A charismatic leader and experienced change agent, Jim has developed exceptionally strong relationships with our dedicated franchisees, who embrace his passion for this brand, and we have the utmost confidence he will continue to help maintain our steep growth trajectory.”
Since Metevier joined quick-service Mountain Mike’s, he has overseen operational systems and processes, guest experience, and marketing and development. The company said that same-store sales have increased by 32% over the past five years, surpassing $1.1 million in systemwide AUVs. System sales have also risen across digital platforms, which now account for 43% of systemwide sales.
“I am extremely honored and grateful to work with Chris and Ed [St. Geme, principal owner and co-chairman] in this new capacity to help lead this beloved pizza chain into its next growth chapter, which we know will be underpinned by the consummate passion and execution of our talented franchisees,” Metevier said in a statement. “As I step into the CEO role, I will continue to be laser-focused on strategies that strengthen the brand and allow us to ascend to new and yet-to-be-reached heights, including enhanced support tools for our expanding network of franchisees, reinforcing community-first cultures centered around pizza, and introducing more guests to our signature Mountain Mike’s Pizza experience by thoughtfully adding new restaurants throughout the country.”
According to Technomic’s Ignite platform, Mountain Mike’s has 265 restaurants in seven states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. One Mountain Mike’s franchisee, Gobidner ‘Gary’ Birring, appeared on Nation’s Restaurant News’ 2023 Power List.