Sneak peek inside the new Yo’ Mama’s restaurant in Birmingham [PHOTOS]

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new restaurant
Denise and Crystal Peterson, owners of Yo’ Mama’s. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

The new Yo’ Mama’s restaurant location at Parking Deck #3 across from the Harbert Center on 4th Avenue North in downtown Birmingham is nearing completion. 

Earlier this week, we met up with Yo’ Mama’s co-owners Denise and Crystal Peterson to learn more about the new place.

About Yo Mama’s

Back in May 2023, the Birmingham City Council unanimously approved a measure to redevelop the city-owned retail space at Parking Deck #3—which had been vacant for nearly two decades—to relocate Yo’Mama’s, one of Birmingham’s beloved downtown restaurants.

The much larger space in the 4th Avenue deck is a big deal for fans of the popular lovingly prepared home-cooked meals.

Here is what customers can expect.

Larger space seating up to 100

Yo' Mama's
Inside Yo’ Mama’s at the new 4th Avenue location. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

If you have ever been to the 2nd Avenue location—especially for lunch—you’ll know that it is pretty small and tight, seating up to 36 people.

The kitchen is also small.

The new space is much larger, making room for up to 100 people comfortably, 

“We’re focused on giving you a real experience. Because in here (2nd Ave. location) it almost felt like it was a Diner Dash.

You had to come in and you had to leave quickly because we only had 36 seats.

Now we have 100 seats. We can almost make you feel like you’re at my mom’s house.”

Crystal Peterson

Much easier parking 

Another much-needed amenity the new Yo’ Mama’s location offers is parking.

Currently, there is only on-street parking available at the 2nd Avenue location—a big problem during the lunch rush.

The new space resolves that issue because customers can park for the first hour free directly above the new restaurant. 

“Parking was one of the most requested things that customers asked us to fix. With us being attached to 1,100 parking spaces, that notion should be alleviated.

You don’t have to worry about the weather—come straight to the building, come down to our floor into our door.”

Crystal Peterson

Private meeting space

Yo' Mama's
Inside Yo’ Mama’s at the new 4th Avenue location. (Pat Byington / Bham Now)

In addition to expanded dining and parking, the newly relocated Yo ’Mama’s will have private meeting space seating up to 30 people. 

Denise and Crystal envision a space that can be used by the mayor and city officials to meet with constituents, or a family that might want to hold a bridal or baby shower. 

With appropriate planning, they can also take tour groups from local museums like the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

“We will have the ability to say yes to buses.

Most people coming from the Civil Rights Institute are usually looking for a black-owned business to spend their money for lunch. We will be within walking distance or a short ride.”

Crystal Peterson

What about the food? Any changes

Yo Mama's hot wing plate
(Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

The most important question Yo ’Mama’s fans want to know is—are there any changes to the menu?

Both Denise and Crystal assure us that other than adding a daily special or perhaps a fish sandwich folks can expect the same scrumptious home-cooked meals Yo’ Mama’s is known for.

Coming soon

When will the new Yo’Mama’s open on 4th Avenue? As you can see in the photos they are close to opening, but they can’t give a definitive time yet. 

Another bit of news. Yo’ Mama’s owners have plans to introduce a new concept to be open in the evening at its 2nd Avenue location.

Crystal is also very excited about opening soon and what it means to The Magic City + the community.

“Birmingham is big enough to matter and small enough to care.”

Crystal Peterson

What do you think of the big changes coming at Yo’ Mama’s? Tell us on social media by tagging us at @bhamnow!

Pat Byington
Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.

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