Mama Is That You restaurant in Norco will serve a free home cooked meal to parish residents who are 65 years or older this Sunday, Feb. 22 from 1 p.m.– 3 p.m.
Jasmine Flowers, the daughter of restaurant owners Cheryl and James Wilson, said the Community Meal event is a heartfelt expression of the family’s gratitude.
“We are truly enthusiastic about this opportunity to make a meaningful difference,” Flowers said. “[The event] is a commitment to giving back to those who have contributed so much to the local fabric.”
Flowers said the family envisions the event as an occasion to offer hospitality and foster a sense of warmth and appreciation.
“The heart of Mama Is That You is to welcome every guest and remind them of the comfort of home — the kind of home cooking only Mama can provide,” Flowers said. “Our Elderly Giveback is a small yet heartfelt expression of our appreciation, love and deep respect for the elders in our community.”
James and his wife Cheryl opened Mama Is That You in 2024 with the vision of serving what they call “feel good food” to St. Charles Parish. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with daily specials each day. Menu staples include things like fried fish or chicken plates, homemade hamburgers, shrimp salad and po-boys.
James and Cheryl, who have been together for 44 years, are longtime New Sarpy residents. James moved to the parish from Metairie after he met Cheryl when they were teenagers. James and Cheryl’s three children graduated from Destrehan High School, Cheryl’s alma mater.
The restaurant is a family affair. Cheryl spends her mornings working at the Arc of St. Charles as a vocational specialist and her afternoons at the restaurant. Their daughter, Jasmine, works as a cashier and server at the restaurant, and on Thursdays, Cheryl cooks the greens. The potato salad they serve is a recipe from Cheryl’s mom.
James learned to cook from his mom, who learned to cook from her dad. James’ grandfather owned the Metairie restaurant Hot Spot for 30 years. The first thing James learned to cook was his mom’s pot roast. He still uses her recipe today.
Flowers said the restaurant is committed to doing its part to keep love, warmth and genuine hospitality alive.
“So, when you walk through our doors, don’t hesitate to ask out loud, ‘Mama is that you?’” Flower said. “And in return, you’ll hear, ‘yeah, baby!’”
