Esteban Martinez and his wife Juana are expanding Mamma’s place to Avalon. “Mamma’s Place Number Two,” laughed Juana.

’Mamma’s Place Number Two’ is located on Highway 34 right across the street from Avalon ISD. “It was an old gas station and convience store. It was totally empty and it took a lot of work to get it ready because it stood empty for several years. But we are finally there,” explained Esteban.

The Martinezes are also including a small convience store along with their restaurant. They will be selling items such as milk, soda, soap, dish soap, mainly just the staples. The managers of ’Mamma’s Place Number Two" are Deyanira Gallardo and Francisca Molins. The cook is Tommy Cortez, she has been cooking at Mamma’s for three years.

“We are so excited. We are opening another restaurant because we want to help people. We are taking a big step of faith. The economy is such that a lot of people don’t have work and they need a place to work, they need money and they need to eat something. So we are helping to supply jobs. People of Avalon are so happy and so excited that we are going to open up a branch of Mamma’s Place in their town. We have quite a few customers from Avalon and now they can just stay in Avalon to eat,” explained Juana.

Esteban said, “We are not in this for the money. We love the people of Italy and the small towns. When McDonalds came to Italy, all our customers told us not to worry about it. They will support us. And they have. That is the key, loyal friends and customers. I love Italy and all of it’s people. So, we hope to have the same thing in Avalon.”

Hours for “Mamma’s Place Number Two” are Monday through Saturday from 6:00 AM to 8:00PM, except on Wednesdays they will be closed at 3:00 PM. They are closed on Sundays.

“Mamma’s Place Number Two” will be opening soon, I will keep you posted. See you at Mamma’s!