California-based Mountain Mike’s Pizza is making the leap to Tennessee, spearheaded by local franchisees Jordan and Jenny Nari and Gary and Sandra Mitchell.
Jordan told What Now Nashville that Mountain Mike’s Pizza holds a special place in his heart. A California native, he grew up eating it regularly, and he has fond memories of its family-friendly atmosphere and its food.
“It was our Friday night — listening to the Rolling Stones, eating pizza. That was our big event every week,” Nari said, “When I first came out to Nashville, I found there were a lot of good family pizzerias, but there was a lot of race-to-the-bottom pizza.”
Jordan and his partners noticed a gap in the market for a quality neighborhood pizzeria and decided to reach out to Mountain Mike’s about a franchise deal. Now, they have inked a lease in Nolensville for their first location.
The Nolensville location will join the forthcoming Publix-anchored shopping center heading to 7344 Nolensville Rd at the intersection of Nolensville Road and Rocky Fork Road. That shopping center is expected to reach completion this year, and the Mountain Mike’s location is slated to open in a 2,500-square-foot space in 2026.
“Nolensville is a great jumping off point for us,” Jordan said. “It’s such a good family-oriented town that it’s definitely going to be a center for the concept.”
Founded in 1978, Mountain Mike’s is known for its 20-inch pizzas with options such as their meat-heavy Pikes Peak and their Chicken Club pizza. They are especially well-known for their crisp, curly pepperoni.
Customers can expect a spot that will appeal to all ages, with elements like arcade games adding to the family-based atmosphere.
“I am excited to bring it to Nashville because it’s a good family pizzeria concept,” Jordan said. “We pride ourselves on our ability to take care of our neighborhood around us. We want to be everyone’s children’s place of choice and bring back that old family-style pizzeria that got lost in the world of $5 pizzas.”
Jordan is also behind the effort to bring Mediterranean fast-casual franchise Nick the Greek to Nashville, with plans for a location at Nashville Yards and in Inglewood.
