RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR)—A popular pizza chain could soon be replacing a popular local record store in Carytown.
On August 22, 2012, Mellow Mushroom applied for a beer and wine on premises permitwith the Virginia Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control. The license was filed as a mixed beverage restaurant with seating capacity for 1-100 seats. The space, according to a Richmond Times-Dispatch article, is 6,300-square-feet.
The chain currently has two Virginia locations; Bristol and Charlottesville. Mellow Mushroom started dishing out slices in Atlanta, Ga. but sprouted into a franchise operation with more than 120 spots around the nation.
The company emphasizes the unique feel of each location, and that each store is locally owned and operated.
The potential Richmond spot will be at 3012 West Cary Street, which currently houses Plan 9, an independent record store with more than 30 years in the music retailing business. They first opened in Carytown in 1981.
Nathan Hughes, Vice-President Sales Manager with Bandazian and Holden real estate, said that Mellow Mushroom had been looking in Richmond for at least a year. They previously looked into a property listing near Virginia Commonwealth University.
Hughes also said that “the Plan 9 space has been up for lease for quite a while.”
“Very recently, Plan 9 has been in discussions with our office on some spaces that we have available in Carytown that are smaller than their current location,” said Hughes.
“I know that staying in Carytown is important to them,” he added. So Plan 9 is just downsizing, not closing.
Mellow Mushroom also serves calzones, hoagies, salads, and appetizers. The chains often feature a large selection of beer, typically 20-40 beers on draft and 50 or more bottles. Vegan and gluten offerings are available at all locations.
Some stores, like the location in Charlottesville, feature live music, trivia competitions or bingo.
As stated on their website:
“We are more than just pizza and beer. We want to provide you with an experience filled with colorful art, eclectic music and food that comforts your soul.”
Tell us in the comments if you are excited about Mellow Mushroom coming to Carytown, and if you have had their pizza before.
One reader, Paul Mancini, wrote in to inquire if there as some way for Plan 9 and Mellow Mushroom to share space. “Plan 9 gets potentially increased customer flow and can help sponsor music in the Mellow Mushroom…”.
“It may mean reduced seating capacity for MM, but that can also create more demand in return,” said Mancini.
