Prototype Mellow Mushroom restaurant opens along Atlanta Beltline in Grant Park

Mellow Mushroom's prototype restaurant in Grant Park is now open for business.

This article originally appeared in the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Written by Rachel Cohen Noebes, Published on 12/02/2024.

Atlanta Business Chronicle previously reported on Mellow Mushroom's plans for a second Beltline-adjacent location ahead of the homegrown chain's 50th anniversary. The new restaurant is on the bottom level of The Boulevard at Grant Park, an apartment building along the Beltline's Southside Trail.

Created in partnership with restaurant consulting firm The Culinary Edge, the latest iteration of the pizza joint is a "fast-fine prototype" according to a press release. It combines technology and menu additions for a "more efficient" guest experience.

Tech upgrades for customers span from kiosks where diners can order their meals and digital menus, to table locator devices and a music program that will change by the time of day and season.

In the back of the house, services will be streamlined with technologies such as kitchen display systems, digital prep predictors and an all-in-one back-office system to keep track of aspects of the business, such as inventory and scheduling.

In addition to popular Mellow Mushroom menu items such as pretzel bites and stone-baked pizza, the Grant Park location introduces "panizzis," hand-held sandwiches made with the chain's pizza dough, cheeses, meats and veggies.

Exclusive to the new location, the sandwich comes in four varieties, including "mega meatball" and "shroomin."

New cocktails and mocktails are also available, as are noshes such as "apple monkey bombs" — pull-apart dough bites with apple compote, caramel icing and cinnamon.

Mellow Mushroom, perhaps most recognizable for its hippie, almost psychedelic branding and restaurant design, launched a rebrand and a television ad campaign as part of its 50th anniversary campaign earlier this year.

*SK Commercial Realty brokers Jared Touchstone and Stewart Wallace leased this space to Mellow Mushroom in 2023 on behalf of Middle Street Partners. The space is 3,400 square feet and includes patio dining that overlooks the Beltline.

"We were able to attend the grand opening, and what Mellow has been able to do with this space has been astounding," said Wallace. "The total walkability from the Beltline and the ability to order quickly at the kiosk or counter will be a game-changer."

Wallace also highlighted the adjacent availability, where 1,425 square feet is still for lease.

"An excellent opportunity to be in a popular district next to such a buzz-worthy pizza location," Wallace said of the availability. "This area of the Beltline is really desirable right now, and this Mellow Mushroom is just the beginning."

*Added to the original article by SK Commercial Realty.