When locals Bill Stembler and Bo Chambliss decided to open a Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers location on St. Simons Island, expanding the Mellow Mushroom mission of serving delicious and unique pizza and cold craft beer in an unforgettable environment, they chose a location that once held a treasured island icon but had long sat vacant. Their aim then became to preserve the legacy of what had come before while constructing a new building that would blend seamlessly into the existing surroundings. With the philosophy of “reduce, reuse, recycle” at the forefront, they began the monumental task of creating an all-wooden structure that would be built around not just one beloved tree, but three, and incorporate elements of the old Blanche’s Courtyard.
Using the services of a local certified arborist, they identified one unhealthy tree and another large limb of another on the site that would have to be removed. They compensated by planting 3 other oak trees, as well as other types of trees. They then cleared the overgrown brush and implemented a building design that would incorporate and allow for the preservation of the health of the unpredictable roots and branches of the remaining trees. To blend in with their leafy neighbors, they chose cedar shakes for the exterior and raised wooden decks that wrapped around the trees. The decks allow for a feeding and watering system to operate underneath, because feeding the trees is as important to them as feeding the restaurant guests. The process was slow and deliberate, and modified to accommodate stubborn branches when necessary.
On the interior, gorgeous reclaimed barn wood was individually placed and laid. There are benches made out of driftwood from Thailand and a large white oak table that was built by a woodworker in Asheville, NC from repurposed wood of a deceased 200+ year-old tree. One of the structural columns in the restaurant is the trunk of a tree taken down from another island location that was saved and conditioned for use as a beam. It make up the base of the “family tree” over which recycled frames branch out to display photos of the Chambliss and Stembler families and nostalgic shots of the island. Even old 45s have been crafted into decorative butterflies, so you can see we’re not kidding when we say repurposing is important to them from wall to wall and ceiling to floor. Plastic chairs come from a company that molds them from recycled Coke bottles (111 per chair, to be precise). Artists have contributed other pieces like the wave made out of recycled pallets. Woven wicker pendants had a prior life in a Mexican restaurant. A beautiful frame made of driftwood from Sea Island gifted by a friend hangs on a tabby wall outside by the firepit.
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Perhaps the item of which they are most proud is the etched glass “Blanche’s” window that was saved and now hangs in a place of honor in the restaurant. The stained glass windows were repaired and decorate the bar. Another is displayed on the wall near the men’s room door, which is another Blanche’s touch. Why? The local families that own the restaurant not only have their own memories of the spot, but have heard a lifetime of stories from other island residents and visitors about first dates, family dinners, weddings, and more. They pay homage to Blanche’s and honor those memories by keeping them alive.
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Other items in the décor incorporate movie themes, as Stembler is the Chairman and Chambliss is the President of the Georgia Theatre Company. Each of the Mellow Mushroom locations owned by Stembler and Chambliss (SSI, Valdosta, Statesboro, and Pooler) incorporate these one-of-a-kind movie elements on loan from Mellow Mushroom Headquarters.
All of this lends to a wonderfully unique atmosphere that embraces both the fun and “groovy” vibe for which Mellow Mushroom is known and the natural island setting that surrounds it and grows within in it. 30 beers on tap, 11 TVs, the SEC and Big 10 Networks, NFL package, and Golf Channel make it the ideal place to relax and watch your favorite sporting events. There’s ample parking in front and back. The decks are equally inviting to people and pets, and “Blanche,” as the tree has been affectionately named, lends her shade in the back. On a summer night, with local musicians playing outside, it’s a magical place . A newly installed misting system will make it even cooler—literally!
But what about the food?! The reputation of Mellow Mushroom pizza precedes itself. They are the originators of “Classic Southern Pizza,” and have been “Keeping It Mellow Since 1974.” Eclectic, exciting, and flavorful pizza choices with fresh ingredients and a willingness to make it exactly the way you want it—half one way, half another, substitutions, no problem! There are gluten-free and vegetarian options, salads, sandwiches, and now burgers as well. There’s something to please every palate! And terrific specials like their $5.99 lunch (that includes a drink!) are budget-friendly too!
Stop in to Mellow Mushroom today to share a pizza and a cold one under Blanche’s welcoming branches. She’ll be there to watch new island memories being created just as she always has been.
