Mama’s Famous Pizza & Heros

Specialties

Owned and operated by the Spina family of Tucson, AZ, the Mama’s Famous Pizza & Heros mission is to provide quality Italian fare (pizza, pasta, hero subs, salads, appetizers and desserts), using the freshest ingredients, offered at a reasonable price. Mama’s is known for large portions, classic NY style pizza, and homemade cheesecake. Each location is outfitted with an open kitchen design to allow customers the opportunity to witness the fine art of pizza making, a state of the art sound system, and a small selection of video game entertainment. Each location has inside and outside patio seating and space for large groups. In addition to individual service, Mama’s offers catering service as well. Mama’s offers food for dine in, take-​out and delivery.

History

Established in 1980.

In 1975, when Joe & Eleanor Spina chose to retire in Tucson, AZ, their sons, Joe and Vinnie, decided periodic visits just would not do and chose to follow them. At the time, they owned a construction company and that industry in Tucson was stagnant. Creating a new business, a restaurant, without any prior knowledge of the restaurant industry, seemed a much safer option to Joe & Vinnie. They chose to name the restaurant «Mama’s», in honor of their mother, Eleanor. With a menu based off meals they ate every Sunday at family dinner, they opened the doors to the first Mama’s in New York as a test kitchen. Their sites were set on the U of A area, and once space by the U of A opened up, Joe & Vinnie closed up shop in New York, & moved the business and their family to Tucson.

Meet the Manager

Liz B.

Manager

Growing up, Liz routinely did the rounds (visited the various locations) with her father (Joe). She enjoyed meeting customers, talking with staff, and eating pizza, of course. She always envisioned working in the family business. Because she wanted to bring as much to the table as possible, she chose to gain some experience working for other larger corporations and further her education by going to college. She graduated from the U of A with a Bachelors degree in Marketing and has been working for Mama’s ever since. Her responsibilities focus on customer relations, marketing, and managing the catering and special events division of Mama’s.