Springfield’s Mama G’s Kitchen is preparing to open a second location

Gloria Hereford grew up in her mother’s kitchen and always helped out in the family catering business. After Evelyn “Lovely” Hairston died in 2011, Hereford retired from cooking and catering. It was just too painful.

“She was my best friend,” Hereford said.

But after catering a wedding, she remembered how much she loved cooking. Now Hereford is honoring her mother with Mama G’s Kitchen at Metro Eats, 2463 W. Sunshine St.

Starting in June, Mama G’s will have a physical location at 210 S. Market Ave, where photos of Hairston and Hereford will greet guests as they enter.

“I try to do everything in her honor,” Hereford said. “Since her name was ‘Lovely,’ our logo is ‘Taste of Lovely.'”

All the recipes come from her family – recipes from Hereford’s mother, grandmothers and aunts.

“Everything is passed down; it’s what I grew up with. I just add my extra flavor, my extra love,” Hereford said.

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Mama G’s Lovely Kitchen has been in the Metro Eats food park for two years. Its popularity made it clear to Hereford that they needed a larger space.

“This is a big step for me. I have been looking for a permanent place for a year,” said Hereford. “Outside (at Metro Eats) I look up and there’s a line out the door. We need a bigger space.”

Hereford is pleasantly surprised at how smoothly the move to the physical location went.

“Everything has fallen into place. I feel like God is involved in everything here,” Hereford said. “I haven’t really had any obstacles at all.”

Mama G’s specializes in comfort food, with her top four being fried chicken, pork chops, fried catfish and meatloaf. Hereford loves the response she gets from customers, especially when her recipes remind them of home.

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“When people come in (and say) ‘This is like eating at grandma’s house,’ I think, that’s my goal. Every time someone says that, ‘Yes, I did it. I did it!’ Hereford said.

People who like the Metro Eats location don’t have to worry: Metro Eats will stay there and Hereford will split its time between the different locations.

At Metro Eats, Mama G’s is open Monday through Saturday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Thursday through Saturday from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The Mama G’s downtown is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; from 11:30 am to 2:30 am on Friday and Saturday; and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Susan Szuch reports on health and food for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].