Tampa Bay’s Mellow Mushroom Now Operated by Veteran Restaurant Owners

Two veteran restaurateurs have acquired Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers locations throughout Tampa Bay.

Bob Basham, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse, and Jesse McPherson, president of Glory Days Grill, are now the proud owners of Mellow Mushroom stores in Brandon, Clearwater, and Wesley Chapel. The financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed. These franchises were previously owned by Rob Johnson.

“This acquisition presents an incredible opportunity for our teams, providing new growth paths, learning experiences, and the chance to be part of something bigger in the casual dining segment,” Basham said in a statement. “We are excited about the future of this brand in the Tampa Bay community and are dedicated to delivering the outstanding experiences our guests expect and love.”

Basham also owns Glory Days Grill and Bare Naked Kitchen, and is developing a new coastal casual concept with Chef Chris Ponte, the mastermind behind On Swann, Olivia, and Ponte Modern American.

Mellow Mushroom, founded in Atlanta in 1974, operates over 160 locations across the U.S. The chain is celebrated for its stone-baked crusts and unique specialty pizzas like the Holy Shiitake, Kosmic Karma, and Merry Prankster. Their menu also includes wings, bar bites like soft pretzels and spinach artichoke dip, along with burgers, hoagies, and calzones. In late 2023, as the company neared its 50th anniversary, it introduced a rebrand and a new restaurant prototype about 1,000 square feet smaller than its previous locations.

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