Local restaurateur Joseph Keel will open his second concept at Cambridge Square in late January. Joe Mama's will be a casual eatery specializing in table-served, freshly prepared burgers, sandwiches, salads, and shakes. Mr. Keel is also the owner of Marthie Ann's Tennessee Blue Plate which has locations in Cambridge (introduced to the square in 2024) and Cleveland.
Cambridge Square is a commercial and residential community located off Lee Highway in Ooltewah, less than a quarter mile east of I-75. Development began on the project in 2013. Since that time the community has become home to more that 45 commercial tenants, the vast majority of which are locally owned.
"Joseph is an exceptional operator who is committed to quality and service in every aspect of the dining experience," said Jim Cheney who oversees marketing and leasing for Cambridge Square. "His decision to bring a second concept to the square is very much in line with our philosophy of supporting local business owners. We're very fortunate to have Joseph and are confident that the community-at-large feels the same way."
Joe Mama's is scheduled to open the last week in January. It will occupy approximately 2,000 square feet on the public square, and will have both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu has been designed to accommodate casual dining with a tailored culinary selection that emphasizes fresh, daily- prepared cuisine, including vegetarian and gluten free options, at affordable prices. Additional menu offerings include hummus, flatbreads and onion rings; Thai, and spicy Chicago style sausage dogs; a variety of burgers; Reuben, French dip, and tuna melt sandwiches as well as hoagies; Cobb, Southwest and Mediterranean salads; and Reese's, salted caramel, and fresh strawberry shakes.
“We wanted to create a concept in the square that balanced my love for a southern style deli, kept prices reasonable, and delivered a variety of options for my Vegetarian patrons,” said Mr. Keel. “Since opening Marthie Ann’s, we’ve seen the need for a more casual, full-service experience in the Ooltewah, Collegedale market, and I think we’ve accomplished that here.”
Joe Mama’s will be open every day, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.