Article in JENESIS Magazine
www.jenesismagazine.comBig Mama's House of Soul and Spirit
Big Mama's House of Soul is a blessing to have in the heart of the strip district it adds a much needed spice of love to the food market and cultural elements of Pittsburgh, as you come across that lonely 16th street bridge. It is a place of delicious food, candid conversation, good music, a home away from home experience to come and get your food, taking waiting for a meal to a whole new ball game. The soul Big Mama " Reverend" Brenda Franklin, and her family put into the taste of the food and the humble and remarkable look of the resturant makes a statement of its own slowly but surely transforming it into a landmark for quality food in the strip. This establishment support for the city is showcased through their building from the outside Steeler decals to the rich history inside of newspaper clippings building the story of the lengendary Jazz scene of the 60's to the soul era of the 70's. As the " Word" is displayed as a reminder of where their blessing come from, the ribs say something to your spirit.
What makes Big Mama's House of Soul a unique place to grab a bit to eat?
The Heart and Soul in the food literally, My mother pours out the passion of cooking into her food for each patron until satisfied with the results.
How did the idea come together of starting a resturant here in the city anyway?
Big Mama's actually started in South Carolina in a small town where we travel everyday from North Carolina to cater to our customers in our location, with the down south scene in love with our cooking we decided to bring it back home with a buzz already wanted aold familar taste back in the burgh so we packed up and let the lord work the rest here.
How is it owning and operating a black business in the city?
It's cool actually, sometimes you run into people with differences, we all don't always agree on everything in the area, but all and all no problems, it's good to see segregation in the area finally ending.
Were there any support or funding given to you to start your business?
It all started with our family handing down the family recipes, and the hustle of the the family in every step of building the stage for the restuarnt amongst the blessings we receive.
Give us a typical day at Big Mama's House of Soul?
Winter time comes alot of back and forth amongst me and the staff to prepare for what we have to look forward to such as the elements of the weather, and more so me following my mothers every step to ensure we are on track, but its all love , I'll say people and guest apperances from a selected group of celebs you wouldn't aspect to stroll in.
What advice do you have for future business owners?
Stay away from the snakes of the industry you are in, watch out for the advertisement cost, the new sales angles coming at you learn to stick to a solid script or plan, lol, I found us purchasing a barber chair for the restuarant, a barber chair at our restaurant.
Who makes the final decisions on what items to include on the menu?
Me and my mother make a joint effort to come up with the best selections.
Why did you decide to go with the black and gold theme for the restuarnt?
It came from me and my brother , it was a idea to boast the visiblity of the restaurant at first, mixed in with my mothers love for the Steelers.
It was also the love from the city donating the materails to make it happen, some one stood out after a taste of one rib and took on the job for free. It was all good business from there him and his crew came back after he lead us to catering Bill Cowhers Retirement Party, the next thing you know we had a make over with new grills and flags and steeler county was born with thanks from the man up above.
You have alot of athletic support from the Steeler organization, how was this bond formed?
It was Santonio Holmes whom made an apperances and then Hines Wards, Nate Washington, Casey Hampton, Nadej Davenport , Willie Parker, the list then went on and on on a regular bases spreading the word for business the rest is history.
Can you say its safe to say Big Mama's House of Soul is a permanent fixture to the Pittsburgh landscape?
Yes, We look to build on all four sides of the city as we expand this summer throughout the county
Final comment to our viewer?
Thanks for the support, god bless and come on down for a taste of soul.
Big Mama's House of Soul, 1603 Penn Ave., Strip District, 412-471-2910
Big Mama's take-out and delivery . Hours are Monday through Saturday 12 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
