Mellow Mushroom, a national chain that specializes in gourmet, specialty pizzas, is taking over the space of the former Rock Bottom Brewery on the southeastern corner of Ray Road and 50th Street in Ahwatukee.
SRS Real Estate Partners and Lee & Associates announced the lease of the 9,664-square-foot building adjacent to Ahwatukee Foothills Towne Center, which includes Best Buy, Jo-Ann, Ross and AMC Theaters. Opening date has not been established.
Mello Mushroom joins a rapidly changing landscape of dining in Ahwatukee. It will be about 50 yards from the site of the razed Romano’s Macaroni Grill where Chick-fil-A plans an April4 opening in a new building with two drive-up lanes and seating for 140.
Zipp’s Sports Grill confirmed that it has leased the former Blockbuster space on the northwestern corner of Warner Road and 48th Street. Opening date has not been announced. It will be the ninth restaurant for the Valley-owned chain.
Two familiar big names recently left Ahwatukee: Baja Fresh, 4302 E.Ray Road, at Ranch Circle North, and Applebee’s, 4609 E.Chandler Blvd., have closed.
Mellow Mushroom restaurants also are known for calzones, hoagies, salads and appetizers. The beer selection is extensive, with an array of craft, local and regional beers.
The company says that while it has a consistent menu at its more than 130 restaurants across the country, each has a unique design and feel.
“With original artwork, different design styles, and custom signage, each Mellow becomes its own living piece of art,” according to the company website. “We like to think of ourselves as a ‘friendchise’ and not a franchise.”
Chuck Gibson and Ed Beeh with SRS Real Estate Partners and Mark Linsalata with Lee & Associates represented Mellow Mushroom. Chris Gerow with NAI Horizon represented landlord Evin-Phoenix LLC.