Meet The owner of Mama D's Catering

Dana Calhoun

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.

Dana is also deeply committed to giving back to her community. She prioritized hiring young people - especially those who have taken culinary and catering courses in high school and are eager to gain real-work experience. Understanding the lasting impact of a first job in the kitchen, she takes this responsibility seriously, providing thoughtful training and mentorship. By creating a supportive and professional environment, Dana helps shape the next generation of food service professionals while fostering a culture of growth and community investment.

About

Mama D's Catering

Mama D’s Catering brings decades of hospitality expertise and culinary passion to every event, offering full-service catering across Amador, El Dorado, Sacramento, Placer, Tuolumne, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Calaveras Counties. Whether you're planning an elegant wedding, a corporate gathering, or a casual fundraiser, we create unforgettable dining experiences with customized menus and seamless execution. Our commitment to scratch-made, high-quality food ensures every dish reflects our dedication to flavor and presentation. From intimate dinners to large-scale celebrations, we handle every detail with professionalism, making your event as effortless as it is memorable.

Beyond traditional catering, we proudly serve local businesses through our Grab’n’Go Wholesale Food Program, providing wineries, coffee shops, and boutique retailers with delicious, ready-to-eat meals. These convenient yet gourmet options are inspired by our most popular catering dishes, allowing guests to enjoy Mama D’s flavors on the go.

At Mama D’s, we believe great food is just the beginning. Our mission is to exceed expectations—whether through expertly crafted catering, convenient wholesale meals, or strategic consulting. No shortcuts, no compromises. Just exceptional service, smart solutions, and a commitment to making every client, guest, and business partner feel valued. From the first bite to the final toast, we’re here to make every moment delicious.