Mama J’s at 415 N. 1st St. in Jackson Ward has won the Richmond Times-Dispatch's first ever fried chicken bracket, in honor of March Madness.
Take a look at photos of Mama J's over the years. The soul food restaurant opened in 2009 and is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.
The exterior of Mama J's at 415 N. 1st St. in Jackson Ward
Lester Johnson and his mother, Velma, shown here in 2024, co-own Mama J's restaurant. Lester Johnson said his health insurance premium "would actually double in size if not for these credits."
The chicken at Mama J's is marinated overnight before being fried. Owner Velma Johnson ("Mama J") learned how to fry chicken as a little girl in the family kitchen.
A picture of Velma and her father hangs in Mama J’s.
Seen are fried chicken with mac ‘n’ cheese, candied sweet potatoes and a cornbread muffin from Mama J’s. Johnson operated a successful catering business for years specializing in soul food and Southern home cooking.
As home to Velma Johnson’s (standing) popular spot, Mama J’s Kitchen, Richmond was recognized as a place with a best local restaurant.
Mama J’s in Jackson Ward is participating in the Richmond Black Restaurant Experience.
Shae Hobson with Mama J’s fried catfish during the festival at Center of the Universe Brewing Co. in Ashland.
Mama J's catfish plate photographed Tuesday, March 1, 2016.
Mama J’s serves fried chicken, mac ’n’ cheese and other dishes using recipes owner Velma Johnson grew up with.
Crab Cakes with a side of collards and a cornbread muffin at MAMA J’s restaurant in Richmond VA.
“Cheap Eats” host Ali Khan sampled Mama J’s catfish and mac ’n’ cheese with Velma Johnson, the inspiration for Mama J’s restaurant. (2016)
Owner Velma Johnson talks with a customer at Mama J's, 415 N. First St.
The mac and cheese, corn muffins and fried chicken will keep you coming back to Mama J’s.
Brittany Casey and Derek Mast show their slices of maple bacon cornbread, from Mama J's Kitchen at the Bacon Festival. (2014)
One-year-old Ethan Sharp tasted cornbread from Mama J’s Kitchen on Sunday as he and his family took part in Broad Appetit in downtown Richmond. The event featured samples of signature dishes from more than 60 area chefs. (2014)
Henrico County police on Thursday morning said they were searching for a 15-year-old girl and her alleged kidnapper, who police said abducted her Wednesday night.
Richmond, we have a winner for the best fried chicken in town.
