A pizza franchise with a flair for the psychedelic has its eye on Arlington and Alexandria as it plans a major new expansion into the D.C. area.
Mellow Mushroom has named the two localities among its “highest-priority growth markets on the East Coast,” a spokesperson told ARLnow. The business — known for its “stone-baked pies,” appetizers and kaleidoscopic colors — is planning to open eight to 10 new locations in the region, according to Jamie Cecil, vice president of franchise development.
Mellow Mushroom has not yet announced any specific locations in the region, although Cecil said the company hopes to open the first one within the next 12 to 18 months.
“We love what Arlington has given us as far as demographics go,” Cecil said. “And then once we find that franchisee, then we’ll be able to kind of dive down into particular areas or neighborhoods.”
The expansion marks a return to the D.C.-area market since the pizzeria shuttered its location in D.C.’s Adams Morgan neighborhood in 2021.
The Atlanta-founded restaurant chain serves up 14 signature pies, in addition to vegan options and a build-your-own pizza. Offerings include the “Holy Shiitake” — with roasted shiitake, button and portobello mushrooms, black truffle oil and garlic aioli swirl on a garlic base — and the house special: a red pie with pepperoni, Italian sausage, honey ham, applewood-smoked bacon, black olives, mushrooms, Roma tomatoes, green peppers and sweet onions.
Mellow Mushroom also sells classic pizzeria fare like salads, calzones, wings and subs.
A spokesperson said each new location is expected to create an average of 25 to 40 local jobs.
College friends Marc “Banks” Weinstein, Mike Nicholson, and Rocky Reeves launched Mellow Mushroom’s first location near Georgia Tech’s campus in 1974. Since then, the pizzeria has opened more than 160 locations across 17 states, including D.C.-area shops in Chantilly and Fredericksburg. Nicholson and Reeves retired from the business in 2008, according to Atlanta Magazine.
“Our 70s-inspired trippy vibes coupled with the delicious flavors of hand-crafted stone-baked pizzas and unique local beers quickly made Mellow an Atlanta favorite, the perfect place to relax and unwind,” the business’ website reads.
