Saturday Business Spotlight: The Mama's Arcade Cafe
[June 07, 2025] The
Mama’s Arcade Cafe has been a staple in Lincoln for over 60 years. The
cozy spot on the square downtown, 513 Pulaski St., has become a daily
home to its regulars and a stomach filling stop for many tourists and
visitors to the city. Mama’s is one of those places every small-town
needs and is lucky to have.
LDN had the opportunity to talk to Marci Eads, co-owner of the
restaurant, about her time there and what the business brings to
Lincoln.
Marci purchased The Mama’s Arcade Cafe with her partner Amy Dean in
October of 2011. She had worked there prior, and to date, has been at
Mama’s for over 20 years. She is very proud to point out that most of
the everyday staff has been at the restaurant for 15 – 20 years as well.
In addition to regular staff, Marci is able to call on family and
friends to pitch in when things get busy.
One of the reasons the business was so appealing is that it was a total
turnkey operation. The café closed on Saturday and reopened on Monday
with business as usual. With a regular clientele already established,
Eads was able to hit the ground running immediately.
The Mama’s Arcade Cafe works very hard to provide good food and service
for a low price. They’re best known for their breakfast options but also
serve lunch and typically have a daily special. Mama’s is known for
large servings. It is important to Eads that their customers get a great
deal for the dollar. I personally challenge anyone to get through a
horseshoe in one sitting.
One of the things Marci loves about Mama’s is the family aspect that has
developed. Marci calls food her “love language” and seeing smiles on
faces of her customers while they eat is what motivates her daily.
Mama's has
established decades of return customers who also help provide the family
atmosphere. It is one of those places where most folks know each other
and it isn’t uncommon for conversations to cross tables. Marci mentioned
having seen toddlers become adults over the years and how incredible
that was.
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The Mama’s Arcade
Cafe also provides catering. Recent catering clients include the car
show in Memorial Park, weddings and funerals as well as desserts for
church functions and graduation parties.
In addition to the day-to-day business side at Mama’s, the restaurant is
also deeply involved in the community and regularly takes part in
drive-thru charity dinners. Marci recognized there was an opportunity to
help those in need as well as gain some exposure.
A typical event is a 60 to 40 split with 40% of monies being kept by the
organization behind the event. The organization sells pre-order tickets
and provides the help to dish out and run food to those who drive up
outside. Marci explained they have held dinners as small as 40 tickets
sold and as large as 600.
The other 60% raised is used to cover food and operational costs. When
Mama’s first started the dinners the split was 50/50 however, food costs
have increased considerably in the last few years. As a small, local
business they have definitely felt the pinch.
If you ever find yourself in downtown Lincoln and you hear your stomach
rumble, consider giving The Mama’s Arcade Cafe a chance. You won’t go
away hungry, and you just might meet some of the biggest hearted people
in town!
[Jeff Wyles]
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