Jim Metivier’s Formula for Building a Stronger Brand

Jim Metevier’s career journey has taken him from restaurant assistant manager to CEO, with more than 30 years of experience across major restaurant brands.

In this episode of FranchiseU, host Dr. Kathy Gosser reconnects with her former KFC colleague Jim Metevier, CEO of Mountain Mike’s Pizza. Jim shares his journey from KFC assistant manager to more than two decades with Yum! Brands, where he held leadership roles across operations, finance, marketing, development, and strategy before becoming Chief Operating Officer of KFC U.S. He later served as president of Biscuitville before joining Mountain Mike’s in 2018.

Jim was named CEO of Mountain Mike’s in 2023. Under his leadership, the California-born brand surpassed 300 locations in 2025 and now has more than 100 restaurants in development across 17 states.

Jim explains how Yum!’s people-first culture shaped his leadership style, emphasizing listening, developing people, building relationships, and creating systems that support franchisee success.

As Mountain Mike’s expands, Jim says success starts with choosing franchise partners who will become active members of their communities. The brand supports growth through local outreach, PR, sampling, partnerships, and a strong Franchise Support Center mindset.

For Jim, growth is not simply about adding locations. His primary goal is 100% franchisee success.

He closes with advice for emerging leaders: stay flexible, keep learning, build relationships, help others succeed, and “lead with your ears.”

Topics covered include:

• Jim Metevier’s journey from KFC assistant manager to CEO

• Leadership lessons from KFC and Yum! Brands

• Selecting community-focused franchise partners

• Building a Franchise Support Center culture

• Balancing expansion with franchisee success

• Career advice for emerging leaders

Learn more about the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.

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This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence at the University of Louisville College of Business.