For the past 16 years, Thelma Newsome has owned and operated Mamma’s Hot Dog Stand on Openwood Street in Vicksburg.

In 2009, Newsome had the opportunity to open Mamma’s in an old service station.

“I had a vision,” Newsome said. “I was sitting on some money.”

The restaurant is still at this location.

The restaurant sells more than just hot dogs. Newsome is well known for her burgers. A large sign out front claims, “You bite the meat before the bun,” referring to the size of the burger patty.

Local artist Keith Matthews helped create the sign.

“Everybody loves my homemade burgers,” Newsome said.

She also serves chili cheese hot dogs, chili cheese nachos, and homemade Kool-Aid.

Newsome said the restaurant began with much hard work. She started the business while working full-time at the Veterans’ Association in Jackson, where she was a nurse and telephone operator over the course of 21 years.

Mamma’s is a one-woman show. Newsome now runs the business without help from any other employees.

Her favorite dishes are the hamburger and the chili cheese nachos.

Mamma’s Hot Dog Stand is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is located at 1209 Openwood Street.