NEW: Mama’ Nem Southern Kitchen coming soon to Rising-West Princeton

A new restaurant specializing in comfort food with a fine dining atmosphere is coming soon to the Rising-West Princeton neighborhood of Birmingham.

Bham Now sat down with Chris Hollaman, owner of Mama’ Nem Southern Kitchen, to learn more.

A sneak peek inside Mama’ Nem Southern Kitchen

Earlier this year, entrepreneur Chris Hollaman left Munchies on 5th in Avondale to focus on a new endeavor: a sit-down restaurant offering fine dining and Southern comfort food.

Located in Rising-West Princeton—the neighborhood he grew up in—Chris wanted the new restaurant to offer a dining experience that he felt was missing in the area.

“I wanted to build a place where people can start their day off with a hot meal—think biscuits, gravy and coffee—in the morning and come back in the evening to get a good looking, delicuous dinner at an affordable price point. I’m so excited to cater to this type of vibe here in my home.”

Chris Hollaman, Owner, Mama’ Nem Southern Kitchen

The name—Mama’ Nem Southern Kitchen—is based on the idea that “Mama” keeps the whole family together.

“When you think about your mom, you think about your life—your brothers, your sisters, your whole family—and Mama keeps it all together.

I woke up one morning and the name just hit me. I woke up my son and told him. ‘What’s the name, dad?’ I told him, who’s cooking on Sunday? Mama’ Nem. He said, ‘I like it!'”

Chris Hollaman, Owner, Mama’ Nem Southern Kitchen

Located at 1209 Lomb Avenue, Mama’ Nem Southern Kitchen is across the street from historic Rickwood Field, America’s oldest professional baseball park. On June 20, Rickwood Field will host the MLB at Rickwood Field, A Tribute to the Negro Leagues game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants.

To pay tribute to Rickwood Field, the Negro Leagues and the Birmingham Black Barons, Chris plans to hang photos of players and baseball memorabilia throughout the restaurant.

“We call the waiting area our ‘dugout’, and we’re going to hang up photos of greats who have played at Rickwood, like Ty Cobb, Willie Mays and Babe Ruth. We have posters and photos from Rickwood Field, too.”

Chris Hollaman, Owner, Mama’ Nem Southern Kitchen

What’s on the menu at Mama’ Nem Southern Kitchen?

Once open, Mama’ Nem Southern Kitchen will offer a menu full of tasty comfort food.

“Comfort food can mean different things to different people. For some people, comfort food is hot wings or hamburgers! At the end of the day, its that taste that makes you feel at home.”

Chris Hollaman, Owner, Mama’ Nem Southern Kitchen

At Mama’ Nem Southern Kitchen, you’ll find a variety of dishes—from breakfast to dinner—including:

• A Chicago-style Maxwell Street Dog — Two Chicago-style Vienna Sausage Hot Dogs topped with mustard, sweet relish, diced onion, tomato, pickle spears, peppers and celery salt, all served with hand-cut fries.
• Babe’s Steak and Lobster — 16oz ribeye served with 8oz lemon pepper fried or Cajun broiled lobster tail, mac & cheese and broccoli.
• Meat and two lunch specials, with options like country fried steak, mashed potatoes, hamburger steak, gravy rice, smothered turkey wings, fried okra and more.
• And many, many more options!

No matter what you order, each dish will be plated beautifully.

“At Mama’ Nem, the camera eats first!”

Chris Hollaman, Owner, Mama’ Nem Southern Kitchen

In addition to food, Mama’ Nem Southern Kitchen will offer a full cocktail menu, with options like the baseball-inspired Out Field Old Fashioned and Helaine’s Hurricane, named after Chris’ mom.

Mama’ Nem Southern Kitchen opens Monday, April 29

Mama’ Nem Southern Kitchen will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, April 29.

• Mama’ Nem Southern Kitchen: Instagram
• Address: 1209 Lomb Ave, Birmingham, AL 35208
• Hours: Mon-Thurs 6AM to 9PM; Fri-Sat 6AM to 10PM; Sunday 10:30AM to 8PM

“I want to thank the City of Birmingham, Innovation Depot, the Birmingham Business Alliance, Mayor Woodfin and everyone else who has been so kind to me and helped me get Mama’ Nem Southern Kitchen to this point. We’re so excited to welcome our first guests—and no one is leaving hungry!”

Chris Hollaman, Owner, Mama’ Nem Southern Kitchen

Excited to try out Mama’ Nem Southern Kitchen? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!