Psychedelic pizza chain plans to reopen in Lexington. Here’s when and where
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Mellow Mushroom will reopen in Lexington by the end of the year in Hamburg.
- Franchisees John and Whitney Bowling plan subsequent openings in Richmond and London.
- The chain previously closed two Lexington locations, citing COVID for one closure.
A once popular, longtime pizza chain is making a comeback in Lexington after closing because of the COVID pandemic.
Mellow Mushroom plans to reopen by the end of the year in the Hamburg area of Lexington, followed by other new Kentucky locations.
Franchisees John and Whitney Bowling said Hamburg attracted them because of its “strong economic and demographic profile.”
“Our development timeline focuses on launching this Hamburg site, followed closely by expansions into Richmond and London,” the Bowlings said in an email. “Looking further ahead, we intend to open a second Lexington storefront and are currently evaluating local real estate to identify the ideal location.”
The pizza chain, known for its hand-tossed stone-baked pizzas and psychedelic, 1970s hippie aesthetic, once had two Lexington locations. The Lexington Green restaurant closed in Oct. 2018, while the location at 503 S. Upper St. shuttered in Oct. 2022. The owner blamed the COVID pandemic for closing the location near the University of Kentucky.
The Bowlings said the new locations will be familiar, but also have changes.
“Today, our customers can look forward to the same great food and unique atmosphere they love, alongside an exciting, updated menu,” the couple said. “We are dedicated to making this the ultimate go-to spot for locals and travelers alike.”
The Mellow Mushroom menu features pizzas made with spring water dough. Every restaurant location is locally owned and uniquely designed with vibrant colors, murals and funky sculptures, like the treehouse that was at the UK campus-area mainstay for nearly 20 years.
“We have been dedicated fans of Mellow Mushroom for years because no other pizza industry has ever matched the quality and freshness of their pizza,” the Bowlings said. “However, our decision to partner with them went far beyond being loyal customers. From a business standpoint, the Mellow Mushroom franchise model presented a smart, reliable investment opportunity that perfectly aligns with our family’s long-term business goals.”
The couple also owns a group of gas stations in Kentucky they say has prepared them to open restaurants because “food has always been at the heart of our operations.” The stations have a full kitchen serving made-to-order hoagies, burgers, chicken, hand-tossed pizza and gourmet hot dogs.
Mellow Mushroom currently has five restaurants in Kentucky, the closest to Lexington being Somerset.
