Mamma’s Place
Juana Martinez — Juana is right at home in front of the cash register at her family owned business, MaMa’s Place. (Cindy Sutherland)
Who would have ever thought that I would open a restaurant? This was Juana Martinez’s (owner of Mamma’s Place) thoughts when her Pastor suggested she open a Mexican restaurant. “I had never even worked in a restaurant before,” stated Juana.
Juana’s Pastor had just opened Montez Breakfast Burritos in Hillsboro, Texas and suggested Juana do the same. “This is not for me, I am shy when I am around people I don’t know.” explained Juana. But when her husband Esteban Martinez told her he would help her and their children could also pitch in and help she decided to take a chance.
So, in October of 2000 Juana went from working at Nextell sewing factory and opened Mamma’s Place in Italy, Texas off of Hwy 77. Mamma’s has now been open for almost nine years but it wasn’t always easy.
In the beginning Juana worked mornings and nights and did not make enough money to hire any help. Her son Rueben at age thirteen waited tables. “Rueben was short and skinny but had lots of energy. The customers loved Rueben because he would carry all the big plates on his hands and never slowed down,” laughed Juana.
Juana’s son Carlos Castillo, made the fajitas, her daughter, Jessica Castillo made the flour tortillas and Juana cooked. This is how the business ran for the first year and half. After a while they were finally able to hire Mayela to help Juana in the kitchen during the week.
After the first three years Juana decided she wanted to close the restaurant. “It was a lot of hard work and always a struggle for money.”
After many prayers on whether she should close “Mamma’s” or stay open, Juana said, “All of a sudden lots of the school kids started coming in and I had received my answer. We did not sell. Now we have customers from Corsicana, Ennis, Waxahachie and lots of other places. We never advertised, it was all by word of mouth.”
Juana now enjoys her restaurant and loves being in Italy. “I appreciate Italy, they have really supported me. I love everybody here. There are lots of nice people. Italy has my heart.”
Mamma’s Place hours are:
Monday thru Saturday – 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM 4:00 PM to 8:00PM
Wednesday- 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM closed in the afternoon
Closed Sundays
Mamma’s Place is located at : 405 Mosley St, Italy, Texas 76651
If you would like to call in an order call 972-483-7022
We are glad you are here Mamma’s Place!