is locally owned and operated and provides a unique feel focused around customer service and high-quality food in an eclectic , art-filled and family-friendly environment .
In fact , several “ Shroomville ” cartoon characters inspired by the food have popped up over the years , including Mel . O Mushroom , The Funguys and Esperanza . The Mellow characters have appeared in stores , calendars and their own comic strip .
In addition to its signature pies , made with a unique spring-water crust , Mellow Mushroom serves up calzones , sandwiches and burgers , plus salads and munchies , with plenty of gluten-free and vegan options . Servers and bartenders will suggest specific food pairings to guests .
“ This has proven to be a great way for servers and bartenders to connect with our guests ,” Arenas says . “ We see suggestions have a bit more sincerity when the team member makes a personal recommendation .”
The brand has expanded as far west as Mesa , AZ ( opened in 2016 ), and as far north as Tom ’ s River , NJ ( opened in 2017 ). “ We continue to look at new markets that would be a great new home of Mellow Mushroom ,” Arena says .
“ Our culture is truly special and unique , so we take part in each and every opening we do to spread our contagious culture from Day 1 . Each and every member of our team ‘ catches the fever ’ from their first moment , because that ’ s what Mellow is all about !”
Like many companies today , Mellow Mushroom has had hiring challenges and looks for new ways to attract talent . This summer it partnered with social media expert Drew Talbert on a video campaign to find candidates for the “ operations coach ” position . Arena says that Mellow Mushroom saw a 200 % increase in the number of applications via LinkedIn as a result of the campaign .
SHROOM TO GROW Mellow Mushroom expects to see growth in craft cocktails and non-alcoholic mocktails . A new drink called Pineapple Express , a blend of pineapple , coconut , turmeric spice and house-made agave sour , is available spiked with Flor de Caña seven-year-aged rum for an additional charge or as an alcohol-free mocktail . Guests can also add their favorite spirit to the new Cherry Springer mocktail , with black cherry , fresh sour and soda .
The chain had offered some non-alcoholic drinks in the past , “ but not with the focus and innovation as we offer now ,” Arena says . “ Nonalcoholic offerings are especially continuing to grow in popularity and preference ,” particularly with GenZ and Millennial guests , he notes . “ Our goal is to be on trend with these initiatives and offerings .”
A new “ Local to Your Mellow ” cocktail section includes past favorites or drink creations specific to each location . Just as no two restaurants look the same , “ this ‘ Local To Your Mellow ’ section allows Mellow owners to have personalize beverage items and offer truly unique items at each and every Mellow Mushroom restaurant ,” Arenas says .
Oberon , a citrusy wheat ale from Kalamazoo , MI-based Bell ’ s Brewery , was a summer craft beer selection at Mellow Mushroom .
What ’ s on deck for Mellow Mushroom in the next year ? It ’ s been learning to manage the increase in online ordering , for one thing .
Heading into the pandemic , Mellow Mushroom had already invested in off-premise technology and new packaging . “ That positioned us well for 2020 and 2021 ,” Arenas says .
Online orders are double pre-pandemic levels , he adds . “ We are in the process of launching an intranet site for Mellow franchisees and planning for a website rebuild in the next few months .”
In general , “ We are looking at internal systems and processes and how we can continue to deliver an exceptional guest experience while streamlining operations , both at the bar and in the kitchen ,” Arenas says .
“ Delivering a quality pizza has been the guiding focus for Mellow Mushroom over the past five decades and will be what continues to fuel our success as we head into our 50th year in 2024 .”
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