1. Tell us a bit about Mama Bears. Why did you choose the name?
Mama Bear’s is a small cafe specializing in local/organic food. We have high end pastries made from scratch, coffee and specialty coffee drinks, sandwiches, salads, soups and daily specials. My daughter came up with the name when we were stuck. She was in a classroom called the bear den at red cedar elementary and called me mama bear for years after.
2. What is your background in the food
industry?
I’ve been in kitchens for about 19 years now. Worked at Restaurant Villegas, Dusty’s Cellar, Clara’s, Tall Timber (a resort in Colorado), and lots of other little places.
3. With so many restaurants, what sets Mama Bears apart from the rest?
The quality of ingredients. Locally grown food is picked when ripe so it has better flavor and nutrition. We make almost everything from scratch. We have a lot of healthy options and it can be pretty quick. Sometimes we get hit with 15-20 orders at once and that slows things down a bit. I don’t know anyone in town making the same quality of pastries from scratch that we are right now.
4. Has being in Old Town been successful for you as a business?
What are some of the strengths, some of the weaknesses. Old Town is a great space for us. Lots of neighborhood support and being an OTCA member has given us access to resources we wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise. The foot traffic is really light, though and that has been a big challenge. Despite all the advertising efforts it still seems like we are Lansing’s best kept secret. We don’t want it to be a secret.
5. What kind of food do you serve? What is the favorite?
We serve all kinds of food. We have a full breakfast menu served all day. Amazing sandwiches- the Veggie’talian and the Old Town Special are two favorites. We are well known for our soups, especially the raw, vegan soups. In the fall and winter our two biggest specials are mac & cheese or grilled cheese on focaccia with tomato soup.
6. Gluten free foods are popular right now. What are they and do you sell them?
Gluten is the protein part of wheat, rye, barley, and other related grains. Some people cannot tolerate gluten when it comes in contact with the small intestine. We offer many gluten free items, including pastries. The pastries are usually prepared by request but sometimes we have them in the pastry case. We always have specials that are gluten free.
7. What are your hours, where are you located and what is your phone number?
Hours of operation are Tues-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat & Sun 8am-4pm
517-485-6262
1224 Turner St. Lansing, MI 48906.
