After 54 years, this beloved Miami Shores Italian restaurant is closing its doors
The mouth (and eye) watering garlic rolls, the beyond savory red sauce, the gooey meets crispy cheesy pizza, the addictive chicken parm.
If you ever dined at Mama Jennie’s, you know.
Unfortunately, the beloved Miami Shores Italian restaurant known for reasonably-priced plates of Italian favorites is shutting its doors after more than 54 years, the owners announced on social media Tuesday.
“As one chapter closes, another begins. While saying goodbye to our oldest location is bittersweet, we’re so grateful for the memories we’ve created together over the years,” read the post to their “cherished family.”
Mama Jennie’s has been an institution for decades and has passed down from owner to employee several times. The namesake, Jennie Volo, was the great-grandmother of founder Carl Scozzaro, who opened the place in 1971. He later sold the business to his former kitchen manager John Zynko. When Zynko was ready to sell in 2018, he sold it to current owner, Jennifer Rivera, who started working at Mama Jennie’s at age 17 in 1995. Throughout the years, Jennie’s spirit remained in the restaurant via the huge portrait of her that hung on the wall.
Rivera says they never fully recovered after COVID: “We tried a lot of different things, but it was a struggle.”
She adds that the bulk of their business is catering now and the vast space was too much to maintain. They decided to sell the property last month.
Past patrons of the homey eatery are asked to DM photos or videos of your visits — be they birthday parties, romantic anniversaries or just grabbing a slice — over the years since opening in 1971.
“We’d be honored to celebrate these moments with you as we look back on all the love, laughter, and meals shared together,” says MJ’s post. “Thank you for being part of our story!”
The good news: You can still get your carbilicious fix at the Pembroke Pines sister property, at 10460 Taft Street. Rivera says another dine-in location in Pines is on the horizon, so stay tuned.
MAMA JENNIE’S
11720 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Shores; 305-757-3627
The last night is service is Friday; there will be no karaoke or alcohol.
