Mellow Mushroom Pizza inks 6 franchise deals in first half of 2026

Mellow Mushroom is entering the second half of 2026 with strong franchise development after signing six deals in the first half of the year, including an agreement for the brand's first location in Montana, according to a press release.

The Atlanta-based pizza chain, founded in 1974, signed agreements for six new restaurants across Kentucky, Montana, Arkansas and Georgia. The company is preparing for four restaurant openings next year, which includes its debut in Bozeman, Montana. Kentucky also remains a major growth priority following a three-unit development agreement signed earlier this year.

"It's been a good year so far," Jamie Cecil, vice president of franchise development, said in the press release. "2026 is off to a great start."

Franchise growth strategy

Company leadership noted a growing trend of longtime guests deciding to become franchise owners, focusing on operators who understand the brand's community-first approach.

"A lot of our franchisees have been customers for years," Cecil added. "They really love the product and the store design, the marketing and everything Mellow Mushroom stands for. They love that it's a nice casual pizza place that fits into their communities."

Expansion efforts

To aid expansion, Mellow Mushroom recently introduced a compact "Fast Fine" fast-casual restaurant prototype designed to make real estate acquisition easier while maintaining the brand's traditional stone-baked pizza and eclectic aesthetic.

"We have strong momentum and tremendous interest from franchisees and are looking forward to another five to 10 deals before the end of the year," Cecil said.