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September 24.2025
3 Minutes Read

Why Via 313 is the Top Gluten-Free Pizzeria in the USA Today Rankings

Modern pizzeria exterior with neon lights at dusk, best gluten-free pizzeria

The Rising Star of Gluten-Free Dining: Via 313's Detroit-Style Pizza

Austin's Via 313 Pizza is making headlines as it clinches the title of the nation’s best gluten-free pizzeria in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This accolade not only highlights Via 313's stellar offerings but also underscores a broader trend in dining: the increasing demand for gluten-free options that don't compromise on flavor or authenticity.

The Unique Art of Gluten-Free Pizza Making

Founded by Detroit natives Brandon and Zane Hunt, Via 313 has captivated audiences since its inception in 2011. The brand is celebrated for its unique Detroit-style pizzas, which are characterized by their thick, airy crusts and rich toppings. What sets Via 313 apart in the competitive gluten-free landscape is its commitment to creating a crust that retains the essence of the traditional Detroit pie while meeting the needs of gluten-intolerant customers. "Making a gluten-free crust that holds up to our toppings takes attention to detail," explains Kiplan Welsch, president of Via 313. This commitment is crucial for pizza lovers who are often disappointed by the texture of standard gluten-free offerings.

Expanding Dietary Options: A Win for Inclusivity

Today's consumers are more health-conscious and informed than ever before, leading to an increased demand for restaurants that offer diverse menu options. Via 313 recognizes this shift and embraces it wholeheartedly, providing not just gluten-free crusts but also dairy-free cheese and a multitude of vegetarian and vegan options. With over a dozen topping combinations and the ability to cater for special dietary needs, Via 313 stands as a beacon of inclusivity in Austin’s dining scene. This proactive approach ensures that everyone can partake in the joy of enjoying pizza — a meal often synonymous with indulgence.

The Power of Community Recognition and Awards

The recognition from USA TODAY serves as a testament to Via 313's dedication to quality and its impact on the local community. The restaurant's rise in prominence is reflected in other accolades, including being ranked No. 25 in Pizza Marketplace's Top 100 Movers & Shakers and securing a spot on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list. Such recognition not only elevates the brand but also inspires other eateries to innovate in their gluten-free offerings. As more restaurants vie for similar acclaim, the landscape of gluten-free pizza is likely to evolve, ensuring more choices for diners across the nation.

Future Trends on the Gluten-Free Horizon

As the food industry adapts to changing dietary preferences, the future looks promising for gluten-free eateries. The increasing willingness of diners to try gluten-free alternatives suggests that restaurants like Via 313 are not just catering to a niche market but may be paving the way for mainstream acceptance of gluten-free options. Analysts predict that by 2027, the gluten-free food market could surpass $7 billion, driven by an emphasis on quality and flavor that matches or even exceeds traditional offerings.

Celebrating Success: Special Offers and Community Presence

To celebrate their recent accolade, Via 313 has announced a one-day Buy One, Get One Half Off deal on all gluten-free pizzas available across locations on September 24. Additionally, the establishment will showcase its award-winning gluten-free pies at the Gluten Free Expo in Utah on September 26-27, allowing attendees to experience firsthand the quality that garnered national recognition. Such participatory events not only elevate the restaurant's profile but also highlight its active role in the community.

Conclusion: The Significance of Choosing Gluten-Free

Via 313's triumph serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity in dining and the need for more establishments to prioritize dietary restrictions while delivering on flavor and quality. As the restaurant expands its presence with plans for more locations in Texas and beyond, it continues to influence the culinary landscape, making a strong case for why gluten-free dining should be celebrated rather than sidelined.

For those forced to navigate gluten sensitivity or choose to pursue healthier eating habits, discovering restaurants like Via 313 can be a game-changer. With options that satisfy taste buds and dietary needs alike, the pizzeria stands as an exemplary model for others to emulate in this evolving food landscape.

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12.24.2025

Mountain Mike's Pizza Ranks Among America's Most Loved Brands by Yelp

Update Mountain Mike's Pizza: A Beloved Brand on the Rise In a year where consumer sentiment matters more than ever, Mountain Mike’s Pizza has emerged as a major favorite across the United States. Recently ranked as the 7th most-loved brand by Yelp, this family-style pizza chain has successfully won the hearts— and stomachs— of pizza lovers nationwide. Known for its crispy, curly pepperonis and impressive 20-inch pies, Mountain Mike’s has not only kept its roots but has expanded rapidly in the competitive fast-casual dining landscape. What Makes a Brand Loved? According to Yelp, the rankings are based on guest satisfaction and loyalty, reflecting how well Mountain Mike’s has resonated with its customers. The brand scored high on the Yelp criteria, which evaluate businesses with over 150 locations and at least 500 reviews. Carol DeNembo, Chief Marketing Officer of Mountain Mike’s Pizza, credits this recognition to the dedication of franchise partners and team members. "Exceptional hospitality and quality guide everything we do," DeNembo asserted, emphasizing the brand's commitment to fostering strong relationships with its customers. Industry Recognition and Growth While securing a top spot in Yelp's rankings is no small feat, Mountain Mike's has also seen a string of industry accolades. The pizza chain has surged to #89 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® list, maintaining a competitive presence in the Top 100 for the third consecutive year and making a leap to #4 in the pizza category specifically. Additionally, it received the prestigious Zor Award for “Top Sit-Down Pizza” and recognized its “Best PR Campaign” at the Franchise Innovation Awards. Impact of Expansion Efforts In 2025 alone, Mountain Mike’s Pizza has made significant strides, with plans to open its 300th restaurant. With 23 new locations already opened this year, the chain is demonstrating a robust expansion strategy. Notably, markets in Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma are welcoming new Mountain Mike's Pizza outlets, showcasing a deliberate strategy to engage with diverse communities and a growing customer base. Features That Make Dining Special Beyond pizza, Mountain Mike’s provides a unique dining experience with features like kids’ activity areas, dedicated party rooms, and large-screen TVs that make family gatherings and team meet-ups particularly enjoyable. Customers can order online or via the company’s Mountain Rewards® app, which allows them to earn exclusive rewards while enjoying their favorite meals. Offering carryout options alongside in-house dining solidifies Mountain Mike's as a versatile choice for anyone looking to savor quality pizza. Looking to the Future As Mountain Mike’s Pizza continues to leverage guest loyalty and industry accolades to propel its expansion, it positions itself strategically for long-term growth. With over 320 locations in operation and an impressive 120+ locations currently under development across 15 states, the future looks promising. New franchise partners are increasingly interested in tapping into this successful family pizza concept, and with such an expansion effort, Mountain Mike's could soon become an even more recognized entity across America. Conclusion: Why Mountain Mike’s is the Pizza of Choice The accolades Mountain Mike’s Pizza has received not only highlight its status as a highly beloved brand but also underscore the importance of community, family-friendly dining, and quality food. For anyone in search of a delicious pizza option that's backed by customer love and industry success, Mountain Mike’s is undoubtedly the answer.

12.24.2025

Florence's Mugshots Grill & Bar Wins 2025 Franchise of the Year Award!

Update Florence's Mugshots Grill & Bar: Setting the Standard for Franchise ExcellenceIn a significant milestone for the restaurant industry, Mugshots Grill & Bar has announced that its Florence, Alabama location, managed by Lauren Brink, has been honored as the Franchise of the Year for 2025. This award underscores not just operational success but also the embodiment of community spirit, a core value of the Mugshots brand.Leading from the Front: Lauren Brink's VisionSince opening her location in downtown Florence in 2022, Brink has transformed her restaurant into a beloved hub for local diners. Her approach combines meticulous attention to customer satisfaction and employee support, creating an inviting atmosphere that reflects Mugshots' famed motto: "Havin’ a Good Time!" As Ron Savell, the founder of Mugshots Grill & Bar, noted, Brink is a quintessential example of what it means to be a successful franchisee. Her leadership has not only driven revenue but also fostered a culture of teamwork and motivation within her staff.Recognition of Achievement: What This Award RepresentsThe Franchise of the Year award is not merely a celebration of sales figures. It highlights the commitment to operational excellence, guest engagement, and the alignment of individual franchise goals with the overall brand ethos. Speaking to the impact of this recognition, Shane Waller, Director of Franchise Operations, stated that Brink consistently raises the bar in guest experiences and operational standards, setting a benchmark for her peers in the industry.Community Engagement: The Heart of Mugshots Grill & BarBrink's location has become more than a place to enjoy hearty, Certified Angus Beef burgers and drinks; it has morphed into a key player in the Florence community. From hosting local events to engaging with community members, her restaurant plays a pivotal role in the social fabric of the area. This community involvement aligns perfectly with Mugshots’ mission to integrate into the locales where they operate, fostering goodwill and customer loyalty.Looking Ahead: Future Expansion and OpportunitiesWith over 20 locations across the Southeast, Mugshots Grill & Bar is poised for further growth. The chain's proactive franchise program seeks driven individuals like Brink to expand its unique brand experience into new markets. As highlighted in earlier reports, Mugshots has enjoyed consistent growth over recent years, with global sales reaching upwards of $47 million. This trajectory of expansion indicates a broader trend within the fast-casual dining sector, where well-managed franchises are increasingly critical to market success.Key Takeaways From Lauren Brink's JourneyBrink attributes her success to three essential pillars: relentless drive, a strong business mindset, and appreciation for her team. As she put it, "This award belongs to them just as much as it does to me," reflecting her commitment to leadership that values team contributions. Her journey serves as an inspiring case study for aspiring restaurant entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of community connection, employee motivation, and unwavering work ethic.Conclusion: Celebrating Excellence in Franchise OperationsLauren Brink’s achievements in Florence epitomize the potential of franchise business models when executed with dedication and strategic vision. As Mugshots Grill & Bar continues to expand, the emphasis on quality experiences and community integration will remain key. Future franchisees can look to Brink’s success as a roadmap for building their own thriving establishments, rooted in connection and excellence.

12.24.2025

Mellow Mushroom's Digital Kitchen Revolution Sets Stage for 2026 Growth

Update Mellow Mushroom's Recipe for Success in 2026 Mellow Mushroom, a beloved pizza franchise known for its imaginative concoctions and vibrant atmospheres, is embracing innovation as it gears up for a promising 2026. In 2025, Mellow Mushroom prioritized refining restaurant operations, improving back-office efficiencies, and enhancing guest engagement—strategies that set the foundation for a competitive edge in the fast-evolving restaurant landscape. Revamping Kitchen Operations: The Digital Kitchen Rollout In a significant shift towards modernization, nearly one-third of Mellow Mushroom locations transitioned to a digital kitchen platform over the past year. This strategic rollout was customized for each restaurant's specific workflow and layout, resulting in notable improvements in service speed, order accuracy, and food quality. Executive Vice President Ahsan Jiva articulated the impact, stating, "We’ve seen double-digit gains in our three most important metrics, which are food quality, accuracy, and speed of service. The addition of a guest messaging system further aids transparency by keeping customers informed about their orders." As a result, the franchise is now averaging over $2.7 million in average unit volume, with top locations achieving upwards of $3.8 million. Innovative Concepts: Fast-Fine Prototype Expansion A primary highlight of Mellow Mushroom's 2025 endeavors was the debut of its “Fast-Fine” prototype, a fully counter-service model that opened in Grant Park, Atlanta. The restaurant exceeded expectations in its inaugural year, introducing options like frozen beverages and enhanced lunch offerings. Plans are already underway for a second location in Newnan, Georgia, in 2026—reflecting a broader trend of restaurants optimizing their layouts to cater to a shift in consumer dining behavior. Franchise Ownership Transition and Community Focus The pizza chain also witnessed various ownership transitions in 2025, with several long-standing franchisees opting for exit strategies, thereby prompting the corporate acquisition of select locations. Jiva emphasized the brand’s commitment to maintaining community ties: “These restaurant acquisitions enable us to continue serving local communities with the quality experience our guests expect.” This strategy showcases Mellow Mushroom's determination to balance growth with community investment. Enhancing Customer Engagement Through Technology As guest preferences evolve, Mellow Mushroom adapted by launching a centralized customer data platform aimed at improving guest segmentation and outreach. This enhanced marketing infrastructure positions the chain to deliver personalized customer experiences that align with emerging preferences—especially among the digitally savvy Gen Z demographic. The brand's future plans include launching a loyalty program and app by late 2026 that will centralize ordering and rewards. 2026 Development Plan: Strategic Growth Ahead Looking forward, Mellow Mushroom aims for conservative yet strategic growth with a target of 5-8% increase through new openings and over 20 renewals in its pipeline. Key markets for expansion include Florida, Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee—regions where the franchise anticipates strong customer engagement. Jiva noted a desire for sustainable growth, stating, "We don’t want to prioritize growth for growth’s sake; we aim to expand with franchisees dedicated to their communities and committed to quality.” Conclusion: A Compelling Future for Mellow Mushroom As Mellow Mushroom optimizes its operations, incorporates technology, and focuses on strategic expansions, the brand is clearly setting the stage for a dynamic 2026. The pizza franchise’s ability to blend its rich heritage with modern operational strategies will be key in navigating the competitive restaurant landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for Mellow Mushroom’s continued transformation—it's more than just pizza; it's an experience that transcends traditional dining.

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