Mama’s Hot Dog Stand marks 18 years as a Vicksburg staple; honored with being put in the congressional record

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — For nearly two decades, Mama’s Hot Dog Stand has been a cornerstone of the Vicksburg community, serving up generous burgers, chili cheese dogs and homemade Kool-Aid with a side of hospitality.

Mama’s Hot Dog Stand owner Thelma Newsome opened the stand in 2007, transforming an old service station on Openwood Street into what is now a beloved local landmark. At the time, she was working full time at the Veterans Administration in Jackson, where she served as a nurse and telephone operator for 21 years.

“I had a vision,” Newsome said. “I tell anybody, if you have a thought in your mind, don’t just say, ‘I wish I could do it.’ Try. That’s what I did. And here I am.”

Newsome said that after deciding to open up a restaurant, she met the owner of the property where she has ran her business for 18 years at church, telling her the building is hers as long as she wanted, with the only caveat being “don’t ever leave.”

“She said, ” tell you what? Tomorrow, come to my house and get the key. 
If you like it, it’s yours,” recalled Newsome. “After I started giving her rent money, she laughed and said, ‘Let me say something say to you. The building is yours as long as you as you want to be, just don’t ever leave.’ So I’ve been here ever since.”

Though the name highlights her hot dogs, Mama’s is best known for its burgers, proudly advertised on a hand-painted sign that reads, Bite the meat before the bun. The sign, originally created by Newsome, was recreated by local artist after a storm damaged it.

Newsome’s perseverance has kept the restaurant thriving. She has run the business almost exclusively on her own, working the small kitchen space Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., even as she underwent health challenges. This month, she is preparing for back surgery but says the stand will remain open with help from her family.

“I’m standing straight right now, because I took a pill, but it hurts so bad when I walk,” Neswome said.

The restaurant’s impact goes beyond food. Customers often describe Mama’s as a community hub — a place where locals and visitors alike find fair prices, friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere.

“I don’t do this to get rich,” Newsome said. “I do it because it’s what I love. I’m serving people from my heart.”

In recognition of her contributions, Mama’s Hot Dog Stand was recently entered into the congressional record as an example of small-town entrepreneurship and perseverance, by Representative Bennie Thompson.

The recognition came as a surprise to Newsome who said that when she received the package, she thought it was junk mail.

“This was a surprise to me,” Newsome said. “I thought it was junk mail, I was about to put it in the garbage.”

After 18 years in business, Newsome says she has no plans to slow down.

“This is what I was meant to do,” she said. “As long as I can, I’ll be here.”

Mama’s Hot Dog Stand is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. She is located at 1209 Openwood Street.