ABOUT    MAMA    D

About Mama D

With decades of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Dana Calhoun—known to most as Mama D—has built her career on exceptional food, precise execution, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Her journey began in the 1990s at The Pasta Corner, a family-owned fast-casual Italian eatery in Saratoga, California. From there, she expanded into restaurant management, catering, and menu development, working in upscale dining and leading operations for three Fortune 500 companies as both restaurant manager and executive chef.

In 2009, Dana launched Blew By You Café, a federal contract dining facility, while simultaneously building a thriving full-service catering business. Today, she owns and operates Mama D’s Catering, providing elevated catering for weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings, with a focus on scratch-made cuisine and flawless service.

In addition to catering, Dana serves as a consultant to restaurants, bars, wineries, coffee shops, and catering companies, helping them strengthen the systems within their four walls. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with an emphasis on workplace relationships, culture, and personal development - I/O Psychology. Her work centers on improving workplace culture, training managers, reducing turnover, and increasing productivity. By combining business strategy with employee psychology, she helps owners and leaders improve team dynamics, streamline operations, and maximize profitability.

Dana’s expertise in sales, leadership development, and workplace psychology makes her a powerful partner for businesses seeking to elevate their culture, boost employee engagement, and enhance the guest experience. On a personal note, she enjoys introducing young people to the business.

No shortcuts. No compromises. Just exceptional food, smart operational systems, and workplaces where both people and profits thrive.