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Dec
1
New Bell Street Mama’s is now open
December 1, 2007 | 51 Comments
West 39th Street’s popular Bell Street Mama’s diner has now finished relocating to the old Nichols Lunch spot at 39th and Southwest Trafficway. Not only does Mama’s new space give her more room to sell her popular and expansive omelet menu, but it also fills a big hole left by Nichols’ closure. Unfortunately Mama’s won’t keep Nichols’ 24 hour schedule, so you still have to go elsewhere for the 3:00 a.m. trannies and eggs special. The diner is now known as 39th Street Mama’s.
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It’s stupid not to be open weekends after bars close. Who’s gonna go to a place like that say, in the middle of the afternoon? You have to be drunk to eat there anyway.
Tim, have you ever been to Mama’s on Bell? Lots of people go there in the middle of the afternoon. It is packed on the weekends. Go on Saturday morning and you’ll have to wait an hour for a table. It does a huge lunch business as well. I miss Nichols as a late night option, but Mama’s will do very well for itself during the day.
I agree with Tim. There was a wait at the old location due to limited seating but the only sustainable way to make it work in that huge location is to have some late night hours to sober up the midtown crowd.
Nichols was very busy on Friday and Saturday nights after bars closed. Why wouldn’t Mama’s want all that business? The owner must be a control freak who can’t trust anyone to run things when she’s not there. I did go to the Bell Street location a few times, but i definitely wasn’t a regular. I thought it was kind of expensive for diner food.
Tim, Maybe Mams’s is not looking for the “You have to be drunk to eat there” crowd. Sally, maybe the crowd to sober up is not their passion. Different strokes for different folks; but I know that Mama welcomes all, anytime they are open. Times have changed since Nichols. I, for one, hope you both are wrong about their success. Mom and Pop operations are few and far between these days. It is nice to have one in midtown. Tim, I question your judgement on people. Mama is the sweetest, most accommodating, friendly and loving women in a restaurant business. I wish this new restaurant all the success. By the way, the food is great; it is a diner experience. Hope to see you there.
I was a frequent visitor of Mamas on 39th Street and Bell. These owners deserve our support. They are kind, good people looking to make an honest buck running a family restaurant. Their food is good and prices reasonable. They are friendly and willing to make your trip a fun and positive experience. Good luck to the New Bell Street Mamas in the old Nichols location.
Don’t get me wrong, I wish them success. But that large space has got to be a lot more expensive to lease than the tiny former location, and that means they’ll have to sell a lot more meals to stay profitable. It’s already been proven that the late night business (on weekends anyway) is brisk. It’s just puzzling that they would turn the money away, it’d go a long way toward ensuring their success. As far as Mama herself goes, I have a friend who worked there and flaked out on the job after he overslept and left them short-handed on a weekend morning. Later, he went back asking to be rehired, and Mama cried and agreed to do it. So, I know first hand they’re good people. I just think it’s silly not to stay open at times when there’s known to be an overflow crowd and little competition. It would probably generate enough cash to pay the rent.
Ok people let me set the record straight for you. Staying open late at night is not what Mama wants. The reason behind this is if you were to let every drunk in the place then you would have to call yourself CHUBBYS. Secondly as a person in the food business myself I dont wish on anyone having to wait on drunk idiots at 4 in the morning but hey some people dont mind. ALso as far as the owner being a control freak you are way out in left field on that one. Oh and by the way paying the rent is not as important as your reputation as being one of the best places in town to eat. Expensive for a diner that is something else too. They use the best products so people are happy about their food. I mean paying a but more for great quality and not to mention most of the time you have enough for the next day. SO its like 2 meals in one. Oh and the reason I can post this and answer all your questions? Well like I said I’m in the business and I am also MAMA”S SON so I think I got this right. Happy eating and remember YOU ARE ALL MAMA’S FAVORITES
Oh and by the way the name of the place is actually Mama’s 39th St. Diner
I’m glad you mentioned being the owner’s son so we all know this is an unbiased post.
And how do people make a connection between a business’s hours of operation and the quality of their product? Does a supermarket that’s open all night sell products inferior to one that closes at 11:00 for example? That argument makes zero sense.
You are comparing apples to oranges when talking about a supermarket. I mean we are talking about the quality of help, quality of care and concern for your product. Do you think the people that work late at night at some other 24 hor restaurants actually care about what you think. Well I can tell you that our employees do care about what you eat and how good it tastes. Now as far as me being the owners son I tell you that so you know I am talking from the heart and your right I can be bias if I choose to but I hold myself to a standard I am sure someone like you really can’t understand. I mean if you have never worked in the restaurant business or have never worked for some one you care about you would know what I mean. Oh and by the way when I go to a grocery store during the day the produce and veggies are more fresh that at night because the people who work during the day that care for those things have normally worked there longer so they dont have to work nights and normally the more loyal you are the more you care. Plus if you dont like what we are then hey let me be the first to invite you in and show you what we are all about if you still think the same then hey you have every right not to come back
I am glad to see the conversation going back and forth between the owner’s son and Tim. Yes, the owner’s son will be biased; maybe over zealous. This is good for the owners. Tim, I am glad you are continuiing to voice your comments. I find it interesting to hear you and the owner’s son volley. I hope you will give the restaurant a chance, with an open mind and then respond. I have already been to the new restaurant several times and
continue to be pleased. I hope you and the owner’s son can correspond back and forth with respect. You both seem like good guys trying to make a point; maybe a bit defensive on both parts.
Again, people continue to misconstrue my observations as having something against this restaurant. Nothing could be further from the truth. There is also a misconception, on the part of others, that everyone looking for a meal at 3 or 4 a.m. is drunk. I used to work the night shift in a warehouse and would stop to eat my “dinner” at 4 or 5 a.m. on my way home (believe me, after working all night, you don’t want to cook). Yes, in the city there are all kinds of people who are awake at all hours, and it’s wrong to assume every person looking for food at 4 in the morning is drunk. Some are just awake and hungry. BTW, I plan on having lunch at this restaurant one day this week.
Well I am glad to see someone ese has entered in here. I do want to make a point. I don’t dislike Tim. Heck I don’t even know him and I value everyones opinions. I would be happy to sit with Tim while he has his lunch and have a great discussion with him to the pros and cons. However that will have to wait. I was in a car wreck a few months ago and will not be back to work until I am fully healed. I have a leg brace and walk with a cane and it is hard for me to get around. I played a huge part in helping get the place open and making decisions on what to do. I have been around the block and think that what we have decided is what is best for us. Tim please when you do come in in the future maybe a few weeks or so ask for me and I would be happy to sit with ya. Oh for all those who do love us please let us know on here and also always tell Mama for she loves to meet new people and wants everyone to be a regular and happy person. She can brighten your day no matter what the case. She will always be there whether you come everyday or once a month.
This is Powerpack who has entered into this conversation. You both just wrote two great articles. They sounded respectful and both points were stated nicely and both have very good points. I think this is neat. By the way, it was nice to see Mama’s son use punctuation this time. I am a writer, so I notice things like that. I do agree that Mama wants this place to be a hang out for regulars. I also agree that not everyone between the hours of 12 and 4 are drunk. I am one of those late night people also and do understand the needs of both of you in this arguement. Time might tell if there is a need or want to be open later. I imagine everything right now it trial and error. Tim, I hope you will post after eating at restaurant and hope you have a good experience. I have a friend who use to say, if you love this place tell friends, if you do not; tell the owners so they can make it right. Owner’s son, hope you have a quick recovery.
Here’s also hoping for a quick recovery! I know what it’s like, I have two plates and eight screws in my right ankle. It’s not fun, but it heals over time. Actually, I went to Mama’s for lunch TODAY. Everyone wanted to make sure I was happy with everything, which I was. Mama even walked over to my table to ask if they got everything right and we had a nice converstion. You can definitely feel the love in the place, and I had a good lunch. The only problem was they gave me too much food and I couldn’t finish it all! So yes, I will be going back and wish them all the best. And I’ll see you at lunch (or maybe breakfast) when you’re feeling better Chad. I noticed that at 1:00 p.m. a lot of people were still ordering breakfast food and the waffles looked pretty amazing.
Tim I am so glad you had a wonderful meal and that you got to meet Mama. I am thrilled to see in your post that maybe you thoughts have changed a little about a few things, but still I am sure you are not convinced about the late night thing. The family has put so much time, effort, energy, and money in to making what used to be a rat hole a place that you can enjoy. Oh and Power I hope you notice my punc. is much better in this post too. LOL
The main reason I wanted Mama to stay open late was to maximize potential…not for selfish reasons, since Chubby’s is an option. But she is lovely and inspiring and I wish her well and will support her. I was definitely won over. What a great woman, and what a friendly place. It’s a rare business where the owner makes a point to solicit your opinion in an honest way and it really matters that your experience was a good one. But that’s what happened. Thanks to Mama and all her staff…they all really cared about each individual’s experience. It’s something that rarely if ever happens these days.
Tim,
I am quite impressed with your willingness to speak from the heart. I do not want to generalize about men. This is a great quality you possess. I hope you shared this with mama. In the work world, we do not always hear the good things. In my work world of writing, I only get hit over the head. Mom’s son…if you have half the skills to work with people, half as humble as mama and care about each person as mama does…you should be a great asset. These skills take effort and experience which Mama appears to possess. I hope, if there is a Papa, he appreciates Mama and uses the same skills. What a duo! I plan to be at Mamas sometime soon. My work does have me travel. Ick.
Mamas reminds me of Cheers; where everyone knows your name. If you like good food; a place to feel warm fuzzies; a great atmosphere for comfort; and a mama that is truly everyones mom, this is the place for you. Prices are fair and reasonable also. The restaurant is new and needs to work out a few kinks but they will. Their heart is in the right place and so is their food; not to mention to die for desserts. If you attended at the opening and service was slow or not correct, give them another chance. I have been back since opening and service was improved; order came out right and timely. I am not one to sing praises too easily. I eat at a lot of places because of my work; from very fancy to not so fancy. This place has won my vote.
Thanks for the nice comments, Powerpack. I have been back to Mama’s twice, and both times were excellent. The fish sandwich is the best I’ve ever had (although it’s enough for two meals). Mama’s seems to be doing very well, and the entire staff treats you like you’re their personal guest.
I am 100% behind Chad. When Mamas was on 39th it was great. I’m sure it will be great in its new location. It was never open for late bar hours over on 39th where there are bars and that’s not what they want to be. Enjoy Mamas in their new location! The LGBT community loves Mamas!!
Mitch,
It is nice to see someone else behind Mama’s. I grew up in a family with a dad that was a small business owner. I like to support such places. I hope all of your friends will the LGBT community will support them. It takes all of us to keep the moms and pops in business and against the corportate chains. Happy New Year to you.
I always kind of assumed Mama’s didn’t keep late hours at the old location due to low traffic volume on West 39th street in the early morning hours, and lack of parking. 39th & SW Trafficway is a busy intersection 24 hours a day, and they even have satellite parking. I just kind of figured that was part of the reason for the move. Nevertheless, the food is great, Mama is a joy (as is the entire staff) and I eat there much more often now. And there is always a good crowd no matter when I go. If you haven’t tried the fish sandwich, you’re in for a treat.
Tim,
I asked Mama about the late night hours. Currently, they are considering only doing Breakfast and lunch on Tuesdays also. They opened only doing breakfast and lunch on Sunday and Monday. Mama says there is just not enough traffic on Tuesdays to warrant dinner so they are checking out this possibility. She also says that the 10:00 to midnight traffic is not all that good but good enough. She does want to serve the public so will keep those hours. She also talks about maybe a summer and winter schedule. I guess if we all keep supporting this new venture it will work out. I find Mama so easy to talk with that I just decided to ask these questions. I have really been won over and think I could become a groupie. Have a good weekend.
We live close enough to the new Mama’s to walk there for breakfast/lunch on weekends – it’s great. A little bit like living in NYC where we walked to our neighborhood diner.
Amy, You’re email sounds like I feel; that walk to, everyone knows your name feeling. Although, I do not live close enough to walk. I believe the ‘Papa” in this is from New Jersey. I imagine he will be able to related to your feelings.
I have been out of town. Has anyone been to Mama’s lately? I can hardly wait to get some good home cooking in this cold weather. No where in the city I just visited was there any place like Mama’s or mama. We are very lucky in KC, Mo.
I have not been to Mama’s yet, but I am excited to go there next time I’m in Kansas City after seeing the diner featured on FoodNetworks Diner’s, Drive-In’s and Dives. My hubby and I spent most of our early dates after 11pm since we both worked late shifts. Having a Diner to go to at that time of night gave us a chance to talk and enjoy ourselves with good food. Not to mention the 24 hour public servants that could benefit from a 24 hour restaurant (like nurses and doctors). I understand Mama’s desire to have time for her family and home, but it might not hurt to have the diner open late night on Fridays and Saturdays at least. Especially during fishing season when the fishermen are looking for a hearty breakfast to carry them through the day at 4am. Good Luck Mama’s! Looking forward to a good omelette when we get to Kansas City from Washington State!
How surprised I was to see a Kansas City restaurant featured on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. Wow, we are lucky in Kansas City to have such a restaurant as Mama’s. I went one Sunday morning and was pleased to see crowds. An establishment like a mom and pop restaurant need our support. I saw a few people deciding not to wait. It is worth the wait and tables seem to clear quickly. The line looked longer than the wait. The staff at the restaurant work hard to make everything run like a good ole fashioned diner. The food is great. If you live close by…what a place for walking to and enjoying good food. Mama is delightful and does make you feel special. That was noted on TV show and I have found it to be true. I am a fan of the restaurant. What a tribute to see post above from people who do not even live in Kansas City. And yes, their omelettes are wonderful; try their homemade rolls; fried potatoes; french toast to die for; fried chicken…I have not found anything that was not good. So, each pound has been worth it.
I love em’. This restaurant does not have MSG in their food. Thank you.
Wife and I haven’t been to Mama’s yet, but we are ready to give it a try. We didn’t know about Mama’s until we saw the footage on Food Network. With so many options for breakfast on their menu, I’m not sure what to try the first time we visit. Any suggestions? I was thinking maybe the french toast and either a cinnamon roll or a piece of carrot cake. Also, what is the best time to go so we won’t run into the heavy crowds?
The cinnamon rolls are homemade and to die for but then so is the french toast. All of the pasteries all great. Omelettes, you cannot make a bad choice. I saw the footage on the TV and was blown away. This is our city.
I have been to the restaurant on Saturday and Sunday, which are busy times. Either early or after 1:00 works but on Sundays they do close at 3:00. The turn over of tables is usually good so your wait may look longer. People watching is great there so even if you have to wait, it is fun.
Try their evening time for great fried chicken.
Hope you enjoy. I am addicted to the place. Let me know how you like the food. The staff and mama are absolutely great.
There is something all of us can do to continue our support of Mama’s. For right now, the no smoking is hitting the numbers. Until the playing field is level, please continue to go; step outside for a smoke and then come back to eat. Staff feels helpless in this matter. They need your support. I noticed fewer people, during the week, since the ban went into effect. Thanks.
I visited on 04-13 and will never go back. The smoking rule is no problem as I have lived in several communities where smoking is not allowed in public venues. But let us get back to the main problem with Mama’s, the service with a few comments on what food and drink I was served. I started with the coffee and was immediately reminded of the coffee I had in the Navy. There was a bitter and oiliness about the coffee that lingered. We started with the fried mushrooms which were acceptable with a ranch dipping sauce with very good. We were brought a bowl of chicken tortilla soup with was poorly seasoned. To say bland with give it to much credit. We also ordered the chicken fried steak. Here was the rub. Due to a cook not showing up?, the food never arrived at the table. There were two cooks in the kitchen; my question is how many cooks does to cook for a diner that is half full. We ended up leaving as we had tickets for the theater and did want to be late. I can forgive so so food but I can not forgive poor service. After the theater we went to IHop. The only thing the two have in common is a friendly waiter. If I get the urge to try Mama’s again, I will find the nearest IHop and save myself some time and aggravation.
Bill,
I think it is great that you spoke your mind. This should make Mama’s better. I think that is one of the purposes of writing. I write and read because I am a fan of the restaurant. Your experience sounds unique compared to mine. I am sorry for your experience only because it sounds like you will not try again and I think it is a great place. Well, you can’t win them all. I hope your theatre experience was good. If you do try the restaurant again, I hope you will post to allow “them” to get better.
Did you hear? Alicia Keyes went to Mama’s for a meal while she was in KC. It appears her driver knew about the restaurant. She gave it rave reviews.
I just saw this diner featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and had to locate the address since I travel to KC frequently. I am a huge fan of breakfast and can’t wait to try it!
Shelley,
I am just a regular “Joe” that has become a groupie when it comes to Mamas. Their food is great and so is the wait staff. Be sure to ask for Mama when you go. She would love to hear you are from another area and saw the featured store. Although, there are some 67 omelets, the french toast or cinammon rolls are to die for. I hope you will post after you eat at restaurant. I have continued to follow the postings which is really not my thing. I just want to play a part in the success of this restaurant. It is nice to have a hometown joint.
I have been going to mama’s for more than ten years! I adore the place and the people who own and run it! the staff is great also.
Yeah, they know my name! Isn’t that just wonderful!
Mama’s is a place, where everyone is welcome. I appreciate that.
Audrey,
I have been checking this site since that last time I wrote over a month ago; May 10. I love to hear what people say about their experiences at Mamas. I am like a groupie when it comes to the restaurant. I agree with everything you have said. I just hope everyone continues to support it. One of the radio announcers, in his arrogance, said that Mamas could never make it in this location; they should just stay small. I would love to prove him wrong. It just irritates the S out of me when someone thinks they can make statements about a business that are not positive; they feel important enough to color the publics’ attitude. Can you tell I hate arrogance.Great seguay: nothing arrogant about the staff or Mama and Papa.I think that is one of the reasons I love the place; not to mention the food.
Vote for Mamas. Only four days left. Go to: citysbest@aol.com
On the left side, click on breakfast and vote. What a great way to support them. I just found this. Sorry for such limited time left to vote. You can vote one time each day.
I just saw Mama’s on tripple D on the food network. I live south of KC and work in Lenexa…I think while most of the office staff is out playing golf I might have to get some of the guys at work and go have lunch at Mama’s. Then on Friday I will be taking my wife there for breakfast…stay tuned for my reveiw……
I just saw Mama’s featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives tonight. I will be in Kansas City next week traveling, so I can’t wait to visit. I’ll post back and let you know what this Texan thinks. I’ve enjoyed reading the comments and agree that a mom and pop restaurant is the best, and they are harder to find these days. Got to have one of their cinnamon rolls asap!
I love watching 3D on food network. When I saw this I just freaked. I have to go there and go soon. I only live 20 miles from it and did not know it existed. Both my husband and I were in the food business for many years and really enjoy watching a “Mom & Pop” place make it in the dining world. Good luck and we will see you soon!
Rick/ John. I am one of the authors of previous comments. I enjoyed both of your posts. I am anxious to hear your reviews. I have not been to Mama’s in a few months but friends have kept me posted. I agree with the statement about mom and pop restaurants are the best and harder to find. I have seen the shows also.I have become a real supporter of this restaurant. I grew up with a mom and pop business and I know how much it takes to survive. Not only are the rolls great; try the cornbeef hash; fried chicken; a great hamburger; all breakfast meals are super. Tell your friends. I travel quite a bit and still have not found a wait staff as good; an atmosphere as friendly and warm; good food at reasonable prices. Mama’s has not changed the cost of items even though food prices, wholesale have increased. We must support them so nothing changes.
great food! iam glad its not open at 300am to many drunk drivers out at that time.
Way to go, Mama’s. I was in the restaurant the day Obama spoke at Liberty Memorial. It was great to see the number of folks who chose to support the restaurant and who did not go to the Power and Light Area. The best was the way your staff handled the crowds which I bet they were not expecting. The food did not suffer and neither did the service. A thank you to the staff. Mama, I have not seen you recently. What’s up with that? You are missed.
March-Have you seen the new menu at Mama’s? The originals and those things you love have not changed. The new are special priced meals on certain days of the week. Mama’s wants you to keep coming in and is doing her part to make this happen. Let me know what you think.
Mama’s has not sacrified atmosphere or quality and is offering specials in this time of economic downturn. Thanks, Mama, for remembering us. The hamburger special is a great deal and your hamburgers are still the same size and great taste. You did not lure us in for a different product. Thanks.