Mellow Mushroom

Mellow Mushroom is a full-service pizza restaurant chain recognized for its creative menu and vibrant, eclectic dining environments. The company was founded in 1974 in Atlanta, Georgia, by a group of college students who wanted to introduce a relaxed, countercultural approach to pizza. Over the past five decades, Mellow Mushroom has steadily grown its presence, and as of November 2025, operates 160 locations across more than 20 states. The brand is especially prominent in the Southeast, with ongoing expansion into Texas and select Midwest markets.

Mellow Mushroom’s growth has been driven by a franchise model that allows each restaurant to reflect the character of its local community. This approach results in stores that are visually unique, often featuring local art and occupying repurposed buildings, while maintaining a consistent menu and service style. In recent years, the company has focused on opening new locations in high-traffic urban neighborhoods, suburban centers, and college towns, frequently targeting mixed-use developments and revitalized corridors. The steady pipeline of franchise announcements and store openings highlights the brand’s ongoing commitment to growth.

Owned by Home Grown Industries of Georgia, Inc., Mellow Mushroom continues to be managed from its Atlanta headquarters. The company’s scale and adaptability have made it a familiar name in both established and emerging retail corridors. Its flexible store formats and willingness to repurpose distinctive spaces have allowed the brand to fit a variety of property types, contributing to the appeal of mixed-use projects and neighborhood gathering places. Mellow Mushroom’s track record of expansion and its focus on community engagement have established it as a credible and creative tenant for landlords, brokers, and developers seeking to enhance the experience and draw of their properties.