Mama G’s Kitchen Brings Taste of Lovely to New Downtown Springfield LocationMama G’s Kitchen Brings Taste of Lovely to New Downtown Springfield Location Gloria Hereford, inspired by her mother’s legacy, has expanded Mama G’s Kitchen with a brick-and-mortar location at 210 S. Market Ave. Honoring Family Recipes Mama G’s specializes in comfort food, featuring recipes passed down from Hereford’s family. Fried chicken, pork chops, fried catfish, and meatloaf are among the popular dishes. Hereford’s goal is to recreate the warmth and flavors of home cooking. Expanded Space The success of Mama G’s at Metro Eats food park prompted the need for a larger space. The downtown location will provide a convenient spot for customers to enjoy the restaurant’s offerings. Smooth Transition Hereford expressed her gratitude for the seamless transition into the physical location. “Everything has fallen into place,” she said. “I feel like God is involved in everything here.” Customer Feedback Hereford cherishes the feedback she receives from customers, especially those who are reminded of home. “When people come in and say, ‘This is like eating at grandma’s house,’ I think, that’s my goal,” she said. Convenience for Customers The Metro Eats location of Mama G’s will remain open, allowing customers to continue enjoying their favorite dishes at the food park. The downtown location offers expanded hours and a cozy dining experience. About Mama G’s Kitchen Mama G’s Lovely Kitchen specializes in comfort food made with family recipes. The downtown location is now open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
Gloria Hereford grew up in her mother’s kitchen, helping 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 to cook. 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 open a brick-and-mortar location at 210 S. Market Ave, where guests will be greeted by photos of Hairston and Hereford upon entry.
“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 spice and my extra love to it,” Hereford said.
Want to learn more about dining in Springfield? Get a weekly dose of the News-Leader’s Restaurant Roundup newsletter
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,” Hereford said. “Outside (at Metro Eats), I look up and there’s a line outside. We need a bigger space.”
Hereford is pleasantly surprised by 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 items being fried chicken, pork chops, fried catfish and meatloaf. Hereford loves the feedback she gets from customers, especially when her recipes remind them of home.
For subscribers: Outside and hungry? Here is a great list of all the food trucks in Greene County
“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.
Fans of the Metro Eats location need not worry: it will remain there and Hereford will split its time between 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. Have a story idea? Email her at [email protected].
