Fast-growing Pizza Franchise Chain Expands C-Suite with Seasoned Leader to Support National Growth
Irvine, CA (Restaurant News Release) Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading family-style pizza chain for over 45 years, known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, massive 20-inch Mountain-sized pizzas and dough made fresh daily, has named Sumi Ghosh President and Chief Operating Officer. With 30+ years of experience in the restaurant industry, including over 12 years of leadership at Starbucks, plus additional executive roles at global brands like Nike, Dutch Bros and Yum! Brands, Ghosh brings to the position a wealth of global operational expertise and a passion for supporting franchisees. Ghosh joins Mountain Mike’s at a pivotal moment for the brand, as it continues to grow an impressive national system that includes 315+ restaurants.
“As Mountain Mike’s continues to increase community and guest access across the country to Pizza the Way it Oughta Be®, it’s critical that we optimize and reinforce several key areas of our business, which is why we are proud to welcome someone with such a notable history of restaurant brand elevation to our executive team,” said Jim Metevier, Chief Executive Officer of Mountain Mike’s Pizza. “Sumi’s long and successful track record has fueled operational consistency, excellence and profitability across the consumer business landscape, and his contributions will be invaluable to scaling our operations while maintaining our brand DNA.”
Ghosh has established himself as a transformational leader known for accelerating growth and driving cultural reinvention across an array of large organizations spanning a variety of consumer segments. He has scaled high-performing teams and dramatically increased revenue and profitability across diverse markets, earning praise and confidence from boards, founders and private equity groups alike. With extensive domestic and international experience – including serving as CEO of Starbucks India – Ghosh brings to Mountain Mike’s a best-in-class executive toolbox that features deep operational expertise, a passion for developing next-generation leaders and a people-first approach that has consistently elevated franchise systems and customer experiences.
As President and Chief Operating Officer of Mountain Mike’s Pizza, Ghosh will oversee all aspects of Operations, Development and IT as the brand accelerates toward numerous milestones, including remarkable systemwide growth records, significantly more new market/state entries and a 50-year anniversary for the brand in 2028. He will partner closely with franchisees to enhance sales, traffic, operational performance and new restaurant development while strengthening the systems and tools operators need to thrive. With a commitment to preserving and elevating Mountain Mike’s legacy of “pizza perfection,” Ghosh will focus on delivering unmatched guest experiences, driving consistent product quality and cultivating a high-performance culture rooted in pride, support and long-term franchisee success.
“I am honored to join Mountain Mike’s as the brand reaches new heights, and I look forward to working closely with new and longtime franchisees to strengthen an operational foundation known for quality and excellence while maintaining our brand legacy,” said Ghosh. “I firmly believe our unequaled pizza experience deserves a growing national presence, and I intend to deliver on that objective with a franchisee support strategy that values our most important growth partners while elevating guest satisfaction.”
With 315+ units in operation across 11 states, Mountain Mike’s is primed to continue expansion throughout the U.S. by extending opportunities to new franchise partners looking to diversify their portfolios with a popular family pizza concept. To learn more about new franchise opportunities in your market of interest, visit MountainMikesFranchise.com.
About Mountain Mike’s Pizza
Since 1978, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading family-style pizza chain known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, Mountain-sized pizzas, and dough made fresh daily has been a popular choice for families, serving “Pizza the Way it Oughta Be!®” In addition to offering carryout, its own in-house delivery, and four third-party delivery options, Mountain Mike’s provides a family-friendly dine-in environment making it easy for guests to enjoy the brand’s signature experience wherever they are. Most of its 315+ locations feature a kids’ activity area with arcade games, dedicated party rooms and big screen TVs throughout, making Mountain Mike’s an ideal place for sports teams, family gatherings, group fundraising events and private parties alike. 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. Guests may also take advantage of streamlined ordering via the Mountain Rewards® app to earn exclusive offers and personalized rewards towards free food. This year, Mountain Mike’s was named one of America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains by Newsweek, as well as a top brand on Yelp’s Most Loved Restaurant Brands list. For a complete list of locations and the full menu, visit MountainMikesPizza.com or follow Mountain Mike’s on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
Media Contact:
Novia Baulisch
Powerhouse+Co.
novia@powerhouseandco.com