What happened to Mama Mia's (Fort Mill: home, restaurant, prices)

[timnlori]

I drove by the other day and saw that the restaurant (Mama Mia) had changed names. Does anyone know why? I know the owner was ill. Is he ok? He's such a sweet (and extremely talkative!) man.

[kellyandmike]

I LOVED Mama Mia's and that man was soooo nice. Rumor has it that he once belonged to the mob, (although people don't normally get "out" of the mob?) I am Italian by way of my great grandfather coming from Italy via NY harbor...

My father always wanted to go there when he and my mom were in town, (I haven't told him yet)... The new restaurant has good food and prices but very slow service for now since they just opened.

[timnlori]

Yea, he told us he was in the mob. What was his name, Joe? Anyway, he also told us he had brain cancer. That's why I was wondering if something happened to him.
What type of food does the new restaurant have?

[groove1]

I actually didn't care for Mama Mia's. My review is the first one here:

Mama Mia's, Fort Mill, SC : reviews

That being said, they were an asset to the community and did a lot of fundraiser for the Care Center.

The new place is a "greasy spoon" southern diner called Johnny K's. They serve eggs, bacon, grits, toast, hashnrowns, etc and it's real cheap. Their other location is in Indian Trail, NC. I went by the Fort Mill one and got a menu, and it was packed.

[lovethecarolinas]

We went to Mama Mia's often...while I was never a huge fan..the rest of the family seem to enjoy the buffet.

The owner was a really nice guy...and your right...if ever there was a fundraiser he was right their to pitch in.

I went to lunch yesterday at Johnnie K's (Greek background-but southern home cooking here). The place was packed (never saw Mama Mia's this crowded). I would like to go back and try their breakfast now (sans gravy).

Originally Posted by groove1

I actually didn't care for Mama Mia's. My review is the first one here:

Mama Mia's, Fort Mill, SC : reviews

That being said, they were an asset to the community and did a lot of fundraiser for the Care Center.

The new place is a "greasy spoon" southern diner called Johnny K's. They serve eggs, bacon, grits, toast, hashnrowns, etc and it's real cheap. Their other location is in Indian Trail, NC. I went by the Fort Mill one and got a menu, and it was packed.

[2funky]

Joe and family are doing fine. I think it was time for them to get out of running their own business for a while (they were never able to take a vacation) and I know his wife is much more relaxed. I do miss our Friday night pizzas though...what's left in town is lacking.

[groove1]

There is much better pizza arounf Fort Mill than what Mama Mia's served. Like I said, nothing against the family there; they were nice enough, but I didn't think the food was that good. Try Fratelli's in Baxter (I recommend the pan pizza), Carmella's near Regent Park, or Farley's. Farley's pizza is ok, but their calzones are awesome.

[Eagle_Scout_T108]

Mama Mia (formerly Papa Pino's) used to be a favorite of ours. It seemed in the last year that the pizzas got thinner and thinner and there were fewer on the bar. Service also declined to being outright rude sometimes. I do miss Joe. He is a really nice guy, and I hope he isn't fighting another bout with cancer.

The new place, Johnny K's, is really good. We eat from there once or twice a week and have never had a bad experience.

[groove1]

At least we agree on that. I wasn't too impressed the first time I ate at Johnny K's but gave it another shot and it was good. It depends on what you order because some of their stuff is canned which I'm not crazy about.