ABOUT    MAMA    D

Dana Calhoun (Mama D): A Culinary Journey

Dana Calhoun, known as Mama D, began her restaurant career in the 1990s at The Pasta Corner, a family-owned quick-service restaurant in Saratoga, California. The Pasta Corner was an early version of fast-casual Italian dining, offering homemade pasta and sauces with a counter-service model. Years later, Dana gained invaluable experience managing fast-casual restaurants, which fueled her ambition to open her own establishment.

After graduating from Los Gatos High School, Dana worked in upscale restaurants while attending college, developing a deep passion for food, wine, and the operational side of the industry. Her career took her through various leadership roles, including working for three Fortune 500 companies as a restaurant manager and executive chef. In 2009, she opened her own establishment, the Blew By You Cafe, as a federal contractor, serving breakfast and lunch to air traffic controllers at Northern California TRACON in Mather Field Air Force Base. Simultaneously, she ran a full-service catering business, employing family and friends during the economic downturn and raising her son alongside her in the kitchen.

After taking time to focus on family and pursue a degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Dana continued to foster her love for the restaurant industry. She expanded her focus beyond the kitchen, dedicating herself to improving business operations and the well-being of employees. She has worked as a consultant for restaurant and bar owners, helping them streamline operations, optimize profit margins, and mentor the next generation of managers and chefs.

Now, Dana has returned to the service industry full-time, specializing in catering and business consulting. With decades of experience, she understands the complexities and challenges of running a successful eatery. Through her consulting services, she helps entrepreneurs refine their priorities to drive both top-line growth and bottom-line profitability. From menu redevelopment and staff training to operational improvements, Dana is dedicated to helping businesses thrive.