GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. - Loretta McClennon, known as "Momma Lo", has been cooking barbeque for her family and friends her whole life, but she’s always wanted to have her own restaurant.

A conversation with neighbors at a cookout a few years ago jumpstarted her pursuit of a place of her own.

“I told them my dream, so they went out and got me two grills, these two to get started with,” said McClennon. “And they went ‘you ain’t got no excuse now,’ so I’m like, ‘Okay!’”

With the help of her sons, she started with a roadside stand across the border in New York in 2020, and on Friday, the dream came true with the opening of Momma Lo’s Southern Style BBQ at 284 Main Street in Great Barrington.

“It’s a blessing, because our whole goal was for her to have a restaurant, so it’s a dream come true,” said Ahmed McClennon, Loretta’s son. “And to be a part of that, there’s nothing better.”

McClennon does all the cooking herself. She spends the morning in the parking lot with her smokers, making sure the meat is perfect.

“Well, with my ribs, probably about three hours,” said McClennon. “It don’t take that long. And my brisket, normally everybody says six to eight hours or two days, I can get you a good brisket in three hours.”

The line was out the door as soon as they cut the ribbon at noon. McClennon said she’s grateful for how quickly the community has embraced both her and her family.

“It’s been so amazing, so much love,” said McClennon. “I’ve never really experienced this.

Ahmed is spreading the love as well. He’s a recording artist, going by the name ‘Buddha da Great,’ and uses his skills as Momma Lo’s unofficial spokesperson:

“Welcome to Momma Lo’s,

good barbecue for the low.

We got two smokers,

that’s Frazier and Smoking Joe.

The food so good you can smell it in the Poconos.

Come down and get you a rib plate,

tell them I told you so.”