At the heart of Mama D’s is Dana "Mama D" Calhoun, a seasoned hospitality professional with a rich background in restaurant management, catering, and culinary innovation. Her journey began in the 1990s at The Pasta Corner, a family-owned Italian eatery, before expanding into find dining, corporate dining and large-scale catering operations. In 2009, she launched Blew By You Cafe, a federal contract dining facility. With decades of hands-on experience, Dana understands what it takes to deliver exceptional food and flawless service.

Dana’s expertise extends beyond the kitchen—she’s also a background in restaurant and bar consulting. Her formal education in Psychology is geared toward business and relationships within the food and beverage industry. This unique combination allows her to help food service businesses optimize operations, boost sales, and cultivate positive workplace cultures. Whether streamlining kitchen workflows, improving team dynamics, or refining customer experiences, she provides actionable strategies that drive profitability and employee satisfaction.