Why Lakewood? Are You Kidding Me? Why Not?

I was asked to write why I would want to have a business in Lakewood. Well, I love this city. I grew up in Westlake, lived in about 15 to 20 different cities, and traveled the world. And through this I have learned what is important in life -- my wife Carole, my son Colin, my family, faith, friends, good business practices, and of course, my neighbors.  Because in Lakewood you are living really close to your neighbors. Let’s face it, in the summer there are more weird sounds in the quiet of the summer evening than we might care to hear.

But let’s talk about business because that was the question I was asked. Why open a business in Lakewood? I hate to admit that I have worked since I care to remember, but that’s ok. It has always been an adventure. I’m a Chef. I am a servant to people and I love it. From what my mother, Marian, told me, God rest her soul, I have cooked since the age of two. I don’t know about you, but if you ask me, by today’s standards, they would probably call that child abuse. Such a shame how some things are viewed these days.

So…blah-blah-blah….

I live on Northland Avenue, between Madison and Detroit. I have lived there for 12 years with Carole. We are involved in the community. Lakewood Presbyterian on Detroit is where I recharge. I do almost all my shopping in town and we definitely enjoy a busy social life visiting many of the Lakewood bars and restaurants. And why not? Lakewood has it all: great stores and restaurants from A-Z, along with great events, parks, and services from City Hall (and I mean that). Lakewood offers many eclectic social options. You know, like the BIG CITY LIFE without all that that can bring.

Ok, back to the business. One day I drove up to the Convenient Store on Madison Avenue, the one Neil and his son Terry run. I’m out of milk so it was convenient to go there. I pulled in and see that Tommy’s Pizza & Chicken is closed so I asked the sales clerk in Convenient what happened. Short story, the owner was burning it at both ends with his main store in another city. And he couldn’t keep up with them both. A common problem with restaurant managers.

An opportunity arose. Great location, great demographics, and parking (Really-- FREE PARKING). Since I have thirty years of food entrepreneurship and I’m a Taurus, I thought, “Bring it on.” I made some calls to friends who had expressed interest in the food business and wanted the adventure and so “Mama Lola’s Pizzeria” was born.

I’m old, she’s not. The food is fresh, tasty and priced to move in a market that welcomes local choices. The crew is young and eager to learn and grow. Good local people working hard in our city.

I did this venture to give back. Knowledge is good. I was able to help make this leap for the owner a little more secure. Mama Lola’s supports local businesses in this city and they support us. But our primary goal is to give the community a really good pizza, great ribs, rotisserie chicken, fresh salads and smiles from the young adults who serve you.

I’m no one’s “hero.” I’m just a servant to the industry that I have dedicated my life and love to.

Enjoying good food with good people is priceless!

Come and try our food. We have free delivery in Lakewood or you can pick up your order. Mama Lola’s Pizzeria is located at 16813 Madison Avenue in Lakewood. Our phone number is (216)227-9999. You can find out about the menu at mamalolaspizzeria.com. Mama Lola’s also has a catering division; she can make any “Occasion” a special event. Call for more details.

Regards, Neighbor.

Chef Jim Cox

Read More on
Volume 10, Issue 20, Posted 2:24 PM, 09.30.2014