Mamma’s Shack holds Grand Opening

Written By KIRA WRONSKA DORWARD

Looking for a family-owned, family-run, family-friendly breakfast joint in Caledon? Welcome to Mamma's Shack, operated by the Lott family on Charleston Sideroad near Alton. Open since mid-July, Saturday March 16th saw the Grand Opening by the Mayor of this new local eatery, designed by families for families.

Owners Angela and Donald Lott, as well as their son, Head Chef Dylan, received the Town's recognition in the company of Ward 1 Councillor Lynn Kiernan, Marshal from Paw Patrol, and a Minion. The cartoon characters were on hand to support Mamma's, and will be a regular feature, in conjunction with AAA events, the third weekend of every month at “character breakfasts”. “They'll just be roaming around and interacting with kids and taking pictures,” says Angela.” Saturday April 20, breakfast will be featuring Bugs Bunny in honour of Easter for those wishing to take a holiday from cooking.

Politicians and Paw Patrol aside, the food at Mamma's Shack speaks for itself. A comprehensive breakfast and lunch menu (with sizeable portions) feature staples with a twist. For instance, the “Shack Fries” consisting of home fries, sour cream, peppers, onions, cheese, and bacon, are a not-to-be-missed favourite. It's cousin, the Flaming Shack, includes jalapenos and sour cream. In an average week, Mamma's goes through upwards of 300 lbs in potatoes to accommodate the fries orders, all of which are fresh cut. 

“We pride ourselves on fresh, so everything's made to order. Nothing's premade. I'd like to say we have the best burgers in the area, fresh, no filers, never frozen.” These burgers come in many sizes and options, and include a 24 ouncer special that Angela had originally intended as a family meal.

Angela and her family are new to the restaurant owning business. Formerly a waitress, Angela found she enjoyed the work far more than her previous trucking job. Of working with food, she says, “we've always had the passion, we've always enjoyed doing it, we find it rewarding. We also enjoy hospitality- the social aspect- the reaction on the customer's face…it tends to brighten up our day…I find this a stress-free job.”

When asked why the Lotts chose to open a primarily breakfast-focused restaurant, Angela says, ”we found there are not a lot of options as far as breakfast goes in the area.” While their forte remains breakfast, with many options to choose from and specialties especially with omelettes to eggs benedict to “fancy sweet stuff”, their lunch menu has gained so much popularity that customers have begun to request dinner options. Now from Thursdays to Saturdays, Mamma's is open for dinner if a reservation is made, also making it open to walk-ins. Going off the lunch menu, Mamma's has also added a liver and onions dish to accommodate some locals.

Of business so far, Angela comments that since July it's been “all uphill, with huge local support. We've had regular customers who've supported us since Day 1 and that's only growing. Our out-of-town customer base is growing because of social media.”

If it gets busy enough, Mamma's Shack, named after Angela who was pregnant when it opened, hopes to add dinner specials. The restaurant is also open to catering opportunities and hosting special events. To make dinner reservations or order catering, please contact Angela at 519-316-2662 or email mammas.shack@gmail.com. Hours of operation are 7am to 3pm seven days a week, or dinner by reservation.