BIGGS, CA (MPG) – Proprietors of Big Momma's #1 BBQ, Melvin and Diane Strong, have always had a love for good food, good people and the Lord. The pair got their start when they volunteered to BBQ to fundraise for the men’s ministry at Wynn Memorial Church of God in Oroville. After 4 years of slinging BBQ for the ministry and being urged by everyone who got a taste to start a restaurant, they decided to take a leap of faith and do just that.

Through what Melvin would call divine intervention, an oversized smoker/grill found its way to the couple. They named her "Big Momma" on account of her size and in honor of both their mothers, who inspired the current menu. Melvin’s mother taught Diane how to prepare authentic southern style collard greens and Diane drew from the island flavor palate of her native American Samoa to create sides, custom seasoning and marinades. Meanwhile, Melvin manned Big Momma. To the delight of Biggs residents, the 100% family owned and operated Big Momma's #1 BBQ opened its doors to the public on the fourth of July, 2018.

Shortly after donating free cooked meals to Camp Fire evacuees and first repsonders after the November 8^th Camp Fire Disaster, the windows of Big Mommas went dark and patrons found the doors locked. What the public didn't know was that the Strongs were experiencing their owner personal disaster.

In late November, Diane lost her mother. The family temporarily closed its doors in order to grieve, not knowing what waited ahead. On Christmas Eve, the Strongs received horrible news. They had lost their 28 year old son, his life tragically cut short by a drunk driver. Soon after, Melvin was besieged by illness and spent 7 days in the hospital fighting for his life. Through it all their faith remained strong and the couple knew it was their destiny get back to the restaurant. 

On Tuesday, March 19^th, Big Mommas reopened her doors. Diane said “I'm excited to be back. I fell in love with Biggs and the people here are sweethearts.” Melvin said that “after what we went through, we knew we had to stop messing around and get back to what the Lord had blessed us with (Big Mommas).”  The pair thanked the public in a online post stating "Life is never certain, yet we have found a way to press forward and get back to doing what we love."

Welcome back, Big Momma's #1 BBQ. 

Big Momma's is open Mon-Sat from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and offers student specials during the week, catering services, pay-ahead pick-up and more.