Omaha Restaurant Owner "Big Mama" Has Died

A well known Omaha restaurant owner has died.  In a Facebook post Friday night Big Mama's Kitchen announced the death of founder Patricia "Big Mama Barron.  She was 76 years old and started the restaurant 10 years ago.

"On this Good Friday, the Lord has called home a Great Woman.  Patricia "BigMama" Barron has gone to be with Jesus.  Big Mama's last wish was for her daughters and family to carry on her passion for serving delicious soul food from the restaurant, Big Mama's Kitchen and Catering, which she so dearly loved."

The restaurant will be open normal hours this weekend, including an Easter Lunch. The restaurant near 45th and Bedford will be open Saturday from 8-5 and Sunday from 10-3.  It will then be closed April 2-5 for family & friends to celebrate her life. 

The restaurant gained national attention after being featured on the Food Network.

The family is requesting memorial contributions to the Metropolitan Community College Foundation to benefit the Patricia "Big Mama" Barron Culinary Scholarship.



Friday evening, Big Mama’s Kitchen & Catering announced on Facebook the death of Patricia “Big Mama” Barron. The founder and owner of the restaurant quickly made a name for herself with inspired takes on classic comfort foods and her many sweet potato-infused deserts.   

 Starting in 2007, the restaurant was an instant success. Barron made national headlines through the years, making appearances on the Food Network, the Travel Channel and even starring in “Big Mama’s Kitchen,” a reality show about the restaurant that aired in 2013.  

A proud North Omaha resident, Barron fought for businesses all throughout the community. In 2010, upon noticing a lack of North Omaha businesses in the visitor's guide for the Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders Meeting, she directly reached out to Warren Buffett himself, securing a place for "Big Mama's" and other neighborhood restaurants.

According to the Facebook post, her daughters vowed to carry on Barron’s passion for serving soul food, remaining open through the Easter weekend for special lunch hours. It will close April 2nd through April 5th for loved ones to celebrate her life.   

Family requests memorial contributions be made to the Metropolitan Community College Foundation to benefit the Patricia Barron Culinary Scholarship.


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