Popular Tampa Bay pizza franchise shifts ownership

Atlanta-based Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers currently has four locations in the Tampa Bay area, three of which are getting a new franchise owner.

Bob Basham and Jesse McPherson will be taking over the Clearwater, Brandon and Wesley Chapel locations from previous owner Rob Johnson, according to a statement.

Basham is one of the original co-founders of Outback Steakhouse and currently owns Glory Days Grill franchises around the state and Barenaked Kitchen based in Tampa. McPherson is the CEO of Glory Days Florida and previously worked in several leadership roles during his twenty year tenure with Carrabba’s Italian Grill.

"We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of the Tampa Bay area Mellow Mushroom restaurants. Mellow Mushroom is a company with a remarkable 50-year legacy of excellence,” says Basham in a statement. “This acquisition aligns perfectly with our unwavering commitment to quality, values, and hospitality. Mellow Mushroom has followed these standards in our industry for decades, and we are excited to build upon this foundation with them.”

Mellow Mushroom has over 160 locations nationwide. The Clearwater location is at 2630 Gulf to Bay Boulevard, the Wesley Chapel location is at 25662 Sierra Center Boulevard and the Brandon location is at 10959 Causeway Boulevard.