One of the larger pizza chains in the country is leaning into health-forward movements that seem to gain a little more traction each January.
In honor of Veganuary, Atlanta-based Mellow Mushroom is celebrating plant-based dining by bringing back one of its most popular vegan menu items for a limited time: the Miss Mushroom pizza. Available across all Mellow Mushroom locations from January 2 to March 4, the Miss Mushroom is made with minced garlic, Mellow red sauce, fresh spinach, Follow Your Heart dairy-free mozzarella, sliced portobello mushrooms and caramelized onions. It’s then baked and topped with Follow Your Heart dairy-free feta crumbles and a sprinkle of chives.
Through this LTO addition, Mellow Mushroom joins in the global celebration of Veganuary, created by a nonprofit organization to encourage and support people and businesses worldwide to move to a plant-based diet for January and beyond as a way of protecting the environment, preventing animal suffering and improving personal health. The Miss Mushroom joins Mellow Mushroom’s year-round vegan-friendly menu, including pretzels, salad dressings, sauces, munchies, specialty pizzas and plant-based tempeh protein, all available across its 160-plus locations in 16 U.S. states. Guests can also substitute any regular cheese with Follow Your Heart dairy-free cheese.
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“We’re excited that Mellow Mushroom is celebrating Veganuary again this year and bringing back their famous Miss Mushroom pizza,” says Sandra Hungate, Veganuary’s U.S. Director. “Their delicious vegan options are making it easier for the growing number of people wanting to eat plant-based for animals, health and the planet, without having to give up the foods they know and love.”
Meanwhile, in a move that will please customers participating in Dry January—a month-long commitment to staying alcohol-free—Mellow Mushroom debuted its new Lavender Groove Mocktail. On the heels of Mellow Mushroom’s company-wide rebrand, announced last November, the brand created the purple mocktail in honor of the anchoring color of its refreshed brand palette. Joining Mellow’s current selection of non-alcoholic beverage offerings, the new drink, like the Miss Mushroom pizza, will be available from January 2 to March 4, offering customers a healthier alternative to traditional cocktails.
The zero-proof beverage is mixed with subtly tart Monin Blueberry Purée and semi-sweet, floral Monin Lavender Syrup, then garnished with a dried lavender sprig. Available for dine-in only, the brand is recommending that customers try the Lavender Groove in a pairing with bruschetta, the Enlightened Spinach Salad and the limited-time Miss Mushroom vegan pizza.
Mellow Mushroom has been serving stone-baked pizzas since 1974. With a mission of “elevating the dining experience with A Higher Order of Pizza,” Mellow Mushroom offers a full menu of hand-tossed pizzas, calzones, hoagies, munchies, greens, sweets and more, with gluten-free options. Its bars offer guests specialty cocktails and mocktails, wines and local beers. Each of its locally owned locations is supported by “trippy vibes” and psychedelic artwork, which has fostered a cult-like following and counterculture appeal through a blend of art, music and food.
