05/31/2026
To all who have reached out to me about rebuilding Mama D's, I want to Thank you! That's why we opened in the first place. Our decision to not rebuild wasn't easy because of the love and the relationships we built in the short time we were open. The deciding factor was the how we were treated by the City of Barnesville. First, on March 3rd the day after the fire, while all the other businesses were getting sincere apologies from City officials, I never was even acknowledged. It was not until 4 days later and me finally speaking up did I get any acknowledgement. Then the one official came to me and apologized for not speaking. this individual told me he didn't know who I was. Then I said "well if you would have taken the time to just come eat lunch you would have known who I was!" I tried to make sure everyone that stepped foot in my business knew who Mama D was and made them feel like family. It took over a week for the highest of city officials to reach out to me, only because I sent a not so nice email. Myself and my employees all came to the benefit to support others also. I was also told first thing that the fire started in my kitchen. The state investigation and other investigators determined it did not. The fire was deemed undetermined. I do want to say this fire hurts so deep. I know those building fronts were historical and now all that is left are memories of what it used to look like. The only business that could not turn right around and open or start working was us. I employed more people than anyone affected by the fire. Fast forward to the chamber of commerce sent out an application to fill out in order to receive funds from the benefit. On this application they were wanting deeds, tax records and a lot of other information that just so happened burned up. I see all the posts and videos of the checks handed out. I could not obtain all the documents that were required. I still have employees out of work, some have been able to obtain employment and I rejoice in that. Please don't get me wrong we did receive help from a local church, HIS market and a few others, which i will be forever grateful for. It was how I was treated by the City of Barnesville that we decided not to rebuild. I always thought very highly of the little City and please don't get me wrong there are some great people that live there and I am honored to have had the chance to meet. So I wanted to make this post in honor of those employees and customers that became part of Mama D's family. Just know if or when we decide to open another Mama D's it will not be in Barnesville GA. Thank you for your support and may God bless each and everyone of you.
Sincerely,
Mama D
