The Sanchezes became a vital part of the tight-knit North Beach community among its mostly native Italian shopkeepers, bakers, coffee roasters, and bar and restaurant owners of the early 20th century.

The fresh inspiration of Mama's unique American cuisine-style breakfast menu, fresh seafood, vegetable, and fruit salads, and Italian baguette sandwiches attracted long lines that grew outside the restaurant as Mama and Papa cooked side-by-side with Italian native, Mary Balzarini, and a loyal staff who served the crowds.

[3] She had become a beloved San Francisco personality, whom the public knew affectionately as the "Mama" who took care of her customers as if they were extended family.

For solo diners, "Mama" would find an empty chair at any table, make introductions between customers, and set a warm family-style atmosphere of goodwill.

Mama's on Washington Square imbued the diversity of the colorful neighborhood of writers, poets, politicians, and travelers, attracting celebrities from Los Angeles and New York not only as a top eatery, but also as a prime location for film and television.

The quaint, authentic charm of Mama's Victorian architecture, combined with the tall spires of Saints Peter and Paul Church and Washington Square Park, can be seen in films including Bullitt, Dirty Harry, What's Up, Doc?, Pete 'n' Tillie, and episodes of the series The Streets of San Francisco, starring Michael Douglas and Karl Malden.

Throughout the 70s and 80s "Mama" was a popular caterer of exclusive events in San Francisco and the Napa Valley, and she enjoyed occasional appearances cooking on regionally broadcast television programs in the Bay Area.

Herb Caen, a daily columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, mentioned "Mama" often for her charitable work and appearances.

[7] In 2012, the Sanchez family began efforts to open a second North Beach location in a vacant pizza market on Vallejo Street.

[8] Mama's serves a variety of breakfast dishes that include omelettes, eggs Benedicts, French toast, and pancakes.

Lunch items include sandwiches, burgers, entree salads, and side orders such as homemade fries, bagels, yogurt, and fresh fruit.