Mama’s Comfort Food & Cocktails has taken the space that formerly belonged to Cantina 1511 at Park Road Shopping Center.
The space, located at 4271 Park Road, is about 6,400 square feet, founder Pete Truxaw told What Now Charlotte. This will be the third Mama’s location, following two already open in Orange County, California. There is also a location on the way to Greenville, South Carolina, expected to open in 2027.
Truxaw, who has more than four decades of restaurant experience, launched the Mama’s brand in 2011. Now, he is looking to branch out beyond California. Truxaw said he was drawn to the Carolinas because they are more economical for the brand right now.
“We just fell in love with the Carolinas over the last few years when we were searching for sites,” Truxaw said.
The space will offer an indoor-outdoor bar and will have a comfortable vibe. The menu will remain consistent with existing Mama’s locations, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“We have a really large, robust menu with about 150 different menu items,” Truxaw said. “You can get breakfast anytime. We call ourselves a glorified diner. We really focus on comfort foods, abundant portions and really friendly service.”
Truxaw said they emphasize getting involved in the local community, such as through offering giveback days to local organizations and creating a fun atmosphere with events like pajama days. They also have a tradition of collecting photographs of mothers on their walls to honor them.
“We seek out from the local community for people to submit photos. The wilder and funnier, the better,” Truxaw said. “Whether it’s a photo of your grandmother from 100 years ago or a photo of you and your daughter today, we love showing those off. And it helps us become part of the local community.”
Truxaw said they still have a large renovation to come, so the timeline for opening currently sits at late spring or early summer.
