Today we’d like to introduce you to Cooper Hudson.
Hi Cooper, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Alicia and I began with one location and I never thought we would expand to three restaurants and an events business. From the beginning, my passion has been rooted in hospitality and a genuine love of people—taking care of them, listening to them, and creating a space for them to grow.
We started Mama’s Boy with a focus on good food, but also with the belief that a business should strengthen the community it serves. In an industry that often rewards intensity, long hours, and burnout, I’ve learned that empathy, consistency, and clear communication are just as powerful. As a female-founded business, our leadership style is grounded in collaboration and care—not just for our guests, but for our teams.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No. Honestly, sometimes it feels like every day is a struggle. Running a restaurant today is harder than it’s ever been. Rising food, labor, and operating costs have made even the basics more difficult, and it can feel like everyone is trying to sell to you or profit from your work while margins continue to shrink.
The pandemic was a nightmare. Restaurants were treated as if we were the problem—like we were intentionally spreading sickness—when in reality we were doing everything we could to take care of our communities, keep people employed, and survive. That period left a lasting mark on the industry and on the people in it.
What can be hardest, though, is the emotional whiplash. I can have a long, exhausting day—one where I feel like I showed up for my team or truly made a difference for someone—only to come home to an alert about a one-star review. A five-star day can turn into one-star sadness in seconds. Learning not to let those moments define the day, or the worth of the people doing it, has been one of the biggest ongoing challenges for me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Mama’s Boy is a locally owned restaurant in Athens Georgia rooted in Southern hospitality, comfort food, and community. What started as a single neighborhood spot has grown into three locations and an events and catering business. We are open 7 days a week.
We’re best known for our breakfast and brunch—giant biscuits and cinnamon rolls and fresh ingredients, generous portions, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels familiar. Mama’s Boy has always been about creating a place where guests and employees alike feel comfortable and cared for.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
You can find out more about us here:
https://www.mamasboyathens.com/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mamasboyathens.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamasboyathens/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamasboyathens/
Image Credits
Kelley McKeithan
