Atlanta-based pizzeria Mellow Mushroom will be opening its first Richmond location in Carytown next week. For some, the coming of Mellow Mushroom means the further encroachment of corporate franchises on the small business dominated street of Carytown. Before doing any research, I was a little hesitant about the business myself, seeing as I am certainly a Richmonder that favors my neighborhood businesses over outsiders. Fortunately, I have found that Mellow Mushroom is making a special effort to become part of the community and not just another faceless corporate invader. Apparently they like us a lot more than I thought they would, and they haven't even opened their doors yet.
The first important detail about Mellow Mushroom's new Carytown location is that it greets Richmond with yet another outdoor mural! Mellow Mushroom's mural is the work of local artist Mickael Broth. You may remember him from such murals around Richmond as the one outside of Empire, the old Rumors location, Mom's Siam, and the ever-famous Sticky Rice. Broth’s Mellow Mushroom mural depicts the essence of time through the use of tools, including a Delorean from the movie Back To The Future. Legendary VA painter/mural artist El Kamino also makes an artistic appearance through his design of the building's façade, which consists of various timekeeping devices. The work of both artists is meant to reflect history, and we all know Richmond is full of history.
The wall inside of Mellow Mushroom features an ode to Plan 9 Records, who formerly occupied the building--a wall covered with old vinyl covers, music flyers, speaker pieces, and turntables pays homage to the record store. If this doesn't say "we respect you, Richmond," I don't know what does. To further embrace their move to Richmond, the Mellow Mushroom Richmond-Carytown Facebook recently stated "tattoos not required but it helps" in a post seeking applicants for open job positions.
The menu itself speaks the language of Richmonders by including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options! Get this... you can order a vegan crust pizza with Daiya cheese substitute, and featuring BBQ tofu and veggies galore! If you're allergic to wheat, they've got your back with gluten free pizza crust. To be on the safe side, Mellow Mushroom's website includes an allergen menu as well as a nutrition calculator to those who like to plan out their meals before they dine. Outside of the food land, Mellow Mushroom has also made it a point to include gluten free beverage options. Meanwhile, for those who love their wheat intake, this pizza joint provides their clientele with many types of craft, local, regional, and international beer.
So before you set up camp outside Mellow Mushroom's new Carytown location with picket signs, you should probably give them a try. I know I'll be there as soon as they open to fully enjoy of one of their vegan pizzas. Mellow Mushroom is located at 3012 W. Cary St in Carytown, and will open on Monday May 20 at 11 AM. The Mellow Mushroom will operate 7 days a week Sunday-Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., and Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Visit them on facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/MellowMushroomCarytown