Pizza parlor chain sets sights on Orlando neighborhoods

Discriminating pizza aficionados will soon have another option.

Mountain Mike's Pizza, originating in Palo Alto, California, has been around since 1978, moving slowly across the country as it opened restaurants in Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Idaho, Texas, Colorado, Washington, and Wisconsin. Now the restaurant is coming to Central Florida. In fact, five Mountain Mike's Pizza franchises will open in the Orlando area, the first one in 2025.

Neighborhoods under consideration include SODO, Windermere/Dr. Phillips, Oviedo, Ocoee, Winter Park, Maitland, and Altamonte Springs. A company rep. said leases haven’t been signed yet, but there are a lot of locations to choose from.

The restaurant business has been fraught with financial problems and this year, with some of the best-known food chains closing locations nationwide keeping their higher-revenue locations open and in many cases, filing for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy has given these chains the right to “reject” leases, leaving those spots available for other businesses to move in.

There are also new retail developments all over town, like this one near the entry to UCF. Second generation retail space is a hot commodity, too, like several in Plaza Venezia on Sand Lake Road now for rent.

Known for its crispy, curly pepperoni topping, made with a collagen casing that shrinks in the oven to create little pepperoni cups, Mountain Mike’s menu offers a variety of specialty pizzas, chicken wings, sides, desserts, beer and wine. There are classic options like pepperoni and cheese plus specialty pies like the Spicy Himalayan Pizza with Tikka Masala marinated chicken, mushrooms, onions, jalapenos, and fresh cilantro.

Meat lovers are crazy about the Pikes Peak Pizza, a meaty mountain of Italian sausage, pepperoni, beef, salami, linguica, and ham. For those seeking lighter fare, Mountain Mike’s offers a create-your-own salad option with a variety of fresh toppings and dressings. Sides include the signature Garlic Not-Knots, Mountain Fries, and Mozzarella Sticks. To satisfy your sweet tooth, enjoy a Cinnamon Dessert Pizza, Mini Churrs, or a Pizza Cookie. The beverage selection features a variety of sodas, juices, and teas.

The new pizza restaurants coming to town are part of a 10-unit development deal. In addition to Orlando, Tampa and Sarasota will get some, too. The expansion is spearheaded by Sean Morrison, CEO of BizBox Restaurant Group (headquartered in Jupiter), and Ned Algeo, founder of Multipli Capital (based in Irvine, California).

Algeo highlighted Mountain Mike’s robust support system, nationwide expansion, and strong year-over-year results as key factors in the decision to partner with the brand. The brand caters to dine-in, carryout, and delivery, with off-premise sales currently exceeding dine-in.