Kym Bridgeman Roman of Tryon opened Mama Loca’s in Saluda in the beginning of May after about six months of planning and preparing the restaurant. She said she knew opening in the old truck stop at 1345 Ozone Drive in Saluda would be a wonderful opportunity because of the great location.
With more than 15 years in the Mexican food business, Roman has been able to bring back some of her favorite, most popular dishes with a new twist.
Specializing in both Mexican and American food, Mama Loca’s serves steaming fajitas, authentic tortillas homemade by request, a salsa bar and homemade sangrias (some of the fruity flavors being white peach and sweet berry). The restaurant also offers a signature selection of homemade burgers, featuring the “Mother Trucker,” a mouthwatering burger with two homemade patties and the works, another being the “Exit 59,” the Carolina burger topped with chili, mustard, onions, and slaw.
Roman said she has worked hard to keep the Mexican tradition alive within the restaurant, featuring a wide variety of flavorful, authentic foods. On Saturdays, Mama Loca’s offers a “taste of Mexico,” presenting festive foods such as roasted corn; homemade sope (a traditional Mexican dish with a thicker tortilla) and the homemade tortilla made from a recipe Roman described as true, authentic and delicious.
Another characteristic that sets Mama Loca’s apart is the restaurant’s live entertainment. Roman brings in a deejay on Friday nights and live, local music on Saturday nights.
“We’re hoping that the live entertainment will be a fun way to draw more people in,” Roman said.
Mama Loca’s is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. (open later if there is entertainment), and on Sunday from noon-3 p.m.