Mellow Mushroom opens in Cape Coral: 5 things to know about the cool cosmic restaurant
Robyn George
Kosmic Karma, Super Pepp and Disco Peach have finally arrived in Cape Coral.
Mellow Mushroom made its groovy debut Monday, June 10, next to Gator Mike’s on Pine Island Road.
“This project almost didn’t happen,” said Chris Scuderi, who owns the highly anticipated restaurant and neighboring family fun park. “But it’s finally here. We’re so excited.”
With one in Estero and another in south Fort Myers, it’s the third location in Southwest Florida.
From its cosmic cocktails to the Cape Coral connection, here are five things we know about The Mellowverse.
Out of this world look
Missing the Mellow Mushroom while driving down Pine Island Road is nearly impossible. And not just because dinosaurs are looming and a volcano is rumbling at Gator Mike’s mini golf course across the parking lot. The standalone building is an eye-catcher with its otherworldly vibe and ginormous metal statue out front.
“That’s Mel O. Mushroom,” Justan McMiller, the corporate training operations manager said of the towering figure with a brew in one hand and slice in the other. “He’s the brand friend. Some stores have this one and some have others.”
The exterior of the 5,800-square-foot restaurant is decked out with soothing shades of purple and blue. Step inside though and it’s a whole other vibe.
A visual feast
The dining room is steeped in fun, from vibrant murals and wavy neon lights to floating discs and trippy tiles.
Once you wade through it all and catch your breath, the Cape Coral theme — created by Scuderi, his wife Carol and corporate designers — comes shining through.
“Each restaurant has its own look and feel,” McMiller said. “The artwork, unique lighting, murals all center around Cape Coral.”
The waterfront wonderland mural and a paint-splattered burrowing owl statue perched in the entryway are just the beginning.
Take the hippie-style decor in from your table, booth or groovy yellow swivel seat at the bar. Then open the menu for good vibes…
Let’s eat
Mellow Mushroom is known for its funky, stone-baked pizzas including the customer favorites Mighty Meat (“like meat lovers only better,” said McMiller) and Holy Shiitake (with roasted shiitake, button and portobello mushrooms). The Super Pepp is part of the chain’s 50th anniversary menu along with The Marley (jerk chicken, Italian sausage and sweet onions on a pesto base) and Maui Wowie (honey ham, pineapple, jerk chicken, banana peppers and bacon). Classic or Mellow-thin pizzas ― with garlic-butter blasted and Parmesan sprinkled crusts ― come in 10, 14 and 16 inches. Gluten-free and vegan options are available.
“I’ll put our gluten-free crusts up against anyone’s,” said Carol. “It’s very good. We have a large selection of gluten-free and vegan items and that’s important to me.”
If you’re not in the mood for pizza (gasp!), no worries. Munchies, wings, burgers, hoagies, salads, calzones and house-baked cookies are also available.
While there’s no call-ahead seating or reservations, orders can be placed for pickup or delivery.
And let’s drink
One side of the beverage menu is devoted to domestic, import and local brews and beers, including Fort Myers Brewing, Scotty's, Riptide, Cigar City and Palm City. The other side features sangrias, magic mocktails, mystic margaritas and spirits. Liquid karma cocktails are made with fresh ingredients and include the new Disco Peach, the official drink of the chain’s 50th-anniversary celebration.
Hendrick’s Refresher with Hendrick’s gin, elderflower liqueur, basil, cucumber and agave sour is one of four cocktails exclusive to the Cape Coral location.
The bar with two large-screen TVs and 20-plus taps on a cool textured tile wall is long and inviting.
Welcome to Cape Coral
When the Scuderis first discovered Mellow Mushroom a few years ago, they instantly knew they wanted to be part of it.
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“The restaurant itself is an experience,” said Chris. “It fits the fun vibe we want here. We’ve lived in Southwest Florida for five years. We’re part of this community and wanted to bring this restaurant experience here.”
After permits and Hurricane Ian delayed an initial opening projected for the summer of 2022, theirs finally became the 165th Mellow Mushroom now open
“It took many people to get us to this point,” said Chris. “We had hundreds helping in various ways. We’re very fortunate to be part of this community. We’re just thankful and blessed. We hope the community continues to support us like we know they will.”
Mellow Mushroom, 53 NE Pine Island Road, Cape Coral; open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; (239) 539-2099; mellowmushroom.com
Robyn George is a food and dining reporter for The News-Press. Connect at rhgeorge@fortmyers.gannett.com