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Nov 11th, 2021

New Mellow Mushroom to Celebrate the Music of Virginia Beach, Creates Strong Economic Impact with Hundreds of New Jobs

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ATLANTA/VIRGINIA BEACH (November 9, 2021) – A new 8000+ square foot Mellow Mushroom restaurant in Virginia Beach will anchor a renovated 214 room hotel — the Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront — creating a new focal point for dining, tourism, and economic development in the area. Opening Spring 2022, and commanding the corner of Atlantic Avenue and 35th Street, the restaurant will celebrate the musical history of the city and will be a landmark for residents and visitors.

In keeping with Mellow Mushroom’s culture, the restaurant will have a unique theme that is reflected in the artwork and design. The artwork curated for this site ties back to Bossa Nova-inspired patterning, musical elements, and Brazilian flowers.

A mural by the Virginia artist Mark Paul Deren and a giant rotating “Mellow Mushroom” globe will be two of the artistic highlights of the new Mellow Mushroom. The globe will serve as a landmark for diners, hotel guests, and tourists.

Bossa Nova Musical Theme

Many musicians have called Virginia City home, including Ellla Fitzgerald, Missy Elliot, Wayne Newton, and Charlie Byrd. Byrd was introduced to the Bossa Nova style in Brazil and was one of the first musicians to bring this type of music to the U.S. in the 1960s. Bossa Nova went on to influence fashion, design, and architecture, and elements of the theme have been incorporated through various features of the interior and exterior of the restaurant, as well as the woodworking detail.

Mellow Mushroom Virginia Beach also pays homage to the renowned Peacock Ballroom of the gilded age, with a peacock inspired mural.

Economic Impact

“The restaurant will have an immediate positive economic impact on the Virginia Beach economy, with more than 125 local residents expected to be hired,” says Jay Shah, Shamin Hotels. “In addition, local construction workers and skilled tradespersons will be involved in construction over the next six months.”

About the Restaurant / By the Numbers

  • 125 employees
  • Interior – 4685 sf
  • Exterior – 3536 sf
  • Seating: 80 indoor seats, 50 seats under covered patio, 80 exterior seats
  • Eight giant TVs
  • 30 Beer Taps
  • Two Bars – indoor and outdoor
  • Architect: Gene Weissman, Architects Incorporated
  • Artists : Madsteez – Exterior mural, Mickael Broth – Exterior art installation/Interior art mural, Nikki Leone – Tactile interior artwork, Nicholasa Daily – Video interior artwork, Rogerio Pedro – Interior artwork

Renderings: Virginia Beach Renderings/Photos

Food Photography: HERE

Video/B-Roll: Virginia Beach Mellow Mushroom