Mama Lo's, Soul food restaurant in Gainesville, Florida, US
Mama Lo's was a soul food restaurant in Gainesville that served traditional southern dishes including chicken and rice, collard greens, oxtails, salmon croquettes, and beef stew. The restaurant attracted more than 200 customers during lunch hours and even larger crowds during dinner service.
Lorene Alexander opened Mama Lo's in 1975 and ran it for two decades before closing in 1995. After shutting down, the building was converted into a church parking lot.
The restaurant served as a gathering place where musicians like Bo Diddley and Tom Petty would eat and spend time together when visiting the area.
The restaurant was located near the University of Florida, making it accessible to students and visitors exploring the area. Peak dining times were afternoon and evening when demand was at its highest.
The restaurant's eggplant casserole was featured in GQ magazine in 1986, bringing national recognition to the local establishment. This attention attracted travelers passing through on Interstate 75 who learned about it through the publication.
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