Paulina Laureano (left) and Maximo Cruz (Right) at Mama's Tamales.

Maximo Cruz has been a restaurant manager in Lawrence for quite some time. Mama’s Tamales is only his latest venture into the world of dining. Cruz also owns the late-night local favorite Burrito King. He values flavor and authenticity and wants people who eat at his restaurants to taste the culture as much as the food.

Mama’s Tamales is open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday. It is just north of KU campus at 602 W. Ninth St.

What is your favorite Item on your menu?

Al pastor Mexican tacos. Very popular, very tasty, very traditional. I feel like I am not the only one who loves it. It is also one of the most popular in sales. It is a very typical Mexican taco. We use pineapple. When you eat al pastor, it takes you to Mexico. We have brought it to perfection through the years.

Are there any trends that developed during the pandemic that are here to stay?

We opened right before the pandemic. We didn’t quite get to experience what it could have been. When we first opened we were really busy, then a few months later a slow down, and then the pandemic happened. We were ready to shut down the place but I believe we have good workers and some faithful customers, and we’ve been fighting. Like many other places it has been a struggle. To this day, I still don’t know if we are here to stay, we are still struggling with everything, this situation worldwide. We can only hope for the best health wise and business wise.

Are there any major challenges you have had during the pandemic?

It has been a struggle getting food, getting items. You would be surprised. Sometimes there aren’t any plates or to-go containers. Thankfully, most of our workers have been loyal. They have been with us since we opened. But it has been a challenge getting new employees.

Has there been a change from 2020 to 2021?

Sales wise it has been about the same. I can only hope for better.

What advice do you have for people who want to be better home cooks?

We definitely have had more time at home to practice cooking. Fresh veggies. I recommend cooking with fresh veggies. They give you a lot more energy and vitamins.

What is your favorite Lawrence restaurant?

I don’t want to sound the way I’m about to sound, but I’m going to be very honest, I eat at Burrito King. I also own Burrito King. Like I said, I am being very honest. I eat beans with tortillas and spicy salsa and Burrito King gives me what I need and the flavors that I always look for. Spicy food, tortillas, and some steak. And any other Mexican restaurant I will eat at any time.

How do you get ideas for new recipes?

Through my instincts. I am a food lover. When you cook for your family, you want to please your family, and you want to find flavor. I believe that all the flavors come with love. So when you love your family and you have your ingredients and you’re trying to find those magical flavors, that’s how you get your ideas, from the people you love. When you cook for them you want to give them satisfaction.

Are there any food trends you are following?

Barbacoa and lengua. Many people have been asking for barbacoa and lengua. It is not new, but for some people it is new. It has become very popular.

Do you and your workers feel safe working during the pandemic?

I didn’t. I didn’t feel safe. We try our best at being safe. We closed the patio and we only had to-go orders. That was our way of trying to stay safe.

Is there anything customers could do to make you and the staff feel safer?

Wear a mask when you come in.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining a restaurant staff?

Always be nice, as nice as you can. Stay away from problems and be friendly.

Are there any life lessons you have learned as a restaurant owner?

Appreciate your workers. Always respect your workers and value them. Because without them, we cannot do much.