Central Alabama. Yes, there is. It's only been 48 hours since Chris Holloman opened his new soul food restaurant, Mama Nim's. It's on Rum Avenue, not far from historic Rickwood Field. It opened just before the game. Yesterday was their official opening day, and they were full. They were able to park a few cars. The owners took the time to add baseball puns to the breakfast menu. You'll never forget home plate, ground balls to first base, and how close Rickwood Field is to you. I'm from the area, but this is nothing like home. They'll serve up delicious Southern food and teach visitors about baseball history, including one of baseball's greats, Willie Mays. Holloman says he was horrified to hear that a 93-year-old man died the day before the MLB Awards. Negro Leagues. I couldn't believe it, I said. He waited and waited for Rickwood Field to open, and then he died. It's so hard. He's a true warrior. He left this world a strong, legendary athlete, and Holloman says even more people will flock to Rickwood Field after his passing because of the significance of the place. People will be rushing to see where he first played, and where it's legendary.
Soul food restaurant near Rickwood Field opens just in time to welcome Birmingham's MLB fans
Updated: June 19, 2024 5:27 PM CDT
The big league fans who descend on Rickwood Field have created an opportunity for a new restaurant in the neighborhood to thrive. It's only been 48 hours since Chris Hollamond opened his new soul food restaurant, Mama Nem, on Lombe Avenue, not far from historic Rickwood Field. “We opened right before the game. Yesterday, the opening day of the facility, we were so full we couldn't even park our cars,” Hollamond said. The owners spent time filling the menu with baseball puns, including home plate, first base and ground balls. Plus, you won't forget how close Rickwood Field is to the action when you're at the restaurant. “I'm from this area. Nothing beats hometown. I'm here to give people a tour, have them eat and learn about baseball history,” Hollamond said. That history includes one of baseball's greats, Willie Mays. Hollamond said he was horrified to hear that Mays, 93, had died the day before Major League Baseball is to honor the Negro Leagues. “I couldn't believe it. Mays was waiting for Rickwood Field to open and then he passed away. A true warrior. He lived life to the fullest,” Hollamond said. Following the passing of such a powerful and legendary athlete, Hollamond said he expects even more people to come to Rickwood Field because of the significance of the site. “People will be running to the place where Mays first played because it's a legendary place,” Hollamond said.
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama —
The arrival of major league fans at Rickwood Field has created an opportunity for a newly opened restaurant nearby to thrive.
It's only been 48 hours since Chris Hollamond opened his new soul food restaurant, Mama Nem.
Located on Lombe Avenue, it's not far from historic Rickwood Field.
“It happened right before the game. Yesterday was the first day the facility was open and it was packed, you couldn't even park your car,” Hollamond said.
The owners took the time to include baseball puns on the menu — home plate, first base, ground ball — and you'll never forget how close the restaurant is to Rickwood Field.
“I'm from the area and there's nothing like hometown. We give people a tour, they come, they get a meal and they learn about baseball history,” Hollamond said.
That history includes one of baseball's greats, Willie Mays, and Hollamond said he was horrified to hear that the 93-year-old Mays had died the day before MLB was to honor the Negro Leagues.
“I couldn't believe it. He was waiting for Rickwood Field to open and he passed away. He was a true soldier. He fought strong,” Hollamond said.
Hollamond said because of the significance of the site, even after his death, more people will flock to Rickwood Field because of the strong, legendary athlete.
“You know, people will be rushing out to the place where he first performed, and it's legendary,” Hollamond said.
