OXFORD — A mushroom is growing in Oxford.It’s a giant, purple mushroom to be exact, an under-construction Mellow Mushroom restaurant within spitting distance of Interstate 20. Set to open in late September, the casual chain restaurant and bar will bring pizza, sandwiches, calzones, salads and pretzels to Oxford’s growing culinary landscape.
Franchisees Cindy and Terry Phillis of Anniston have dreamed about opening day since buying the property off Davis Loop near I-20’s exit 188 about a year ago. They have spent hours, Cindy Phillis said, planning the layout and adding personal touches. The Phillises’ three daughters, ranging in age from 6 to 10, decorated the restaurant’s concrete waiting area floor with their handprints, and references to the Phillis family’s hobbies, hiking and bicycling, abound throughout the restaurant.
"It’s kind of a cool, funky place," Cindy Phillis said.
The restaurant, which will include an outdoor patio area, will hold about 220 customers and will employ 20-40 as waiters, managers, pizza makers and bartenders. Cindy Phillis said she plans to start hiring managers immediately and will begin hiring the rest of the staff in late August.
In addition to "soft pretzels that are to die for," Cindy Phillis said she hoped the reputation of Mellow Mushroom pizza would draw crowds.
"If pizza can be good for you, Mellow Mushroom pizza is," she said.
Mellow Mushroom has locations in 12 states. Until the Oxford location opens, the closest Mellow Mushroom is in Birmingham.
