We are still debating on whether or not Mellow Mushroom is just a head-trip in some psychedelic world or a pizzeria. If you can get past the lackadaisical approach and you like the “Hey man, we just make healthy pizza” attitude then this trippy Atlanta-based restaurant is for you. At Mellow Mushroom you “do” a pizza, not “eat” it. This is a company that wants to “transcend you from it’s Bohemian roots of the 60’s and 70’s” even though we know it was started by two college students from Georgia Tech in 1974 who just wanted to make pizza. Their names? Who knows, but we do know they want you to buy a franchise, or maybe that’s “do” a franchise.
Background and Benefits
This 34-year-old company is owned by Home-Grown Industries of Georgia Inc. and has had a huge presence in Georgia with a 98% franchise success rate. Despite 5 store closings in Charlotte in 2007 (perhaps because Bohemians and biker bars don’t really mix) Mellow Mushroom has broad range name recognition and one of the most relaxed atmospheres of any franchise chain out there. The chain is known for its high-quality ingredients, and delicious food from salads to an assortment of Italian dishes. There is also an interesting variety of ales on hand, so if a serious lack of accountability is your style and if you just love pizza then go for it. Nobody expects much from this chain except great pizza and Mellow Mushroom certainly delivers (but not to your home).How Much Does a Mellow Mushroom Franchise Cost
Who knows? The World Wide Web is frighteningly quiet on the subject of Mellow Mushroom and Home-Grown Industries. In 2000, the secretary-treasurer for the franchiser, Mike Nicholson, said, "We don't actively market the company; we let people come to us." And we say, “Good luck!” The Official Website, although a colorful “trip” on its own, with some groovy music and special interactive clams and butterflies, is disappointingly silent about franchising. So if you think you want to invest in this madness, you can call them at (404) 505-2808 and hopefully someone will answer the phone.
What We Like
Mellow Mushroom's pizzas and calzones are made with “a special-recipe spring-water health-dough,” (uh huh), and no sugar. They also use 98-percent fat-free cheese. They have other healthy ingredients on hand like broccoli, alfalfa sprouts, and tofu, plus they lay the crust on a thin bed of corn meal that gives it that extra “bohemian” boost. Pizzas range in price from $8.50 to $11 and up depending on toppings. It won’t break the bank, it’s healthy, and my God, it really is good!
Pros
- Fun - Relax atmosphere, pizza, beer, and funky wall murals. What more could you want?
Cons
- Information - Good luck finding any. Try the number.
- Operations - Absentee ownership is probably mandatory, just like the absentee information.
Mellow Mushroom Franchise Information
Business Established: 1974Franchising Since: 1987
Start-up Cost: unknown
Total Investment: unknown
