Mama Lina’s isn’t just a cafe; it’s a hub of the Moonee Valley community, where Italian heritage meets connection and innovation.
In this episode we chat to Sam Agostino, the man behind Mama Lina’s, about how he turned a family dining experience into a local icon and how he’s now taking on sustainability in Australia.
As always, we recorded this episode of the podcast at Content Hype’s podcasting studio in Moonee Ponds.
Moonee Valley Roots
Sam Agostino has been a Moonee Valley local since 1975, when his family moved to Niddrie. Over the year,s Sam has seen the area change into a thriving and diverse community while still retaining its character as new growth has come.
“It’s always had this energy,” says Sam about his part-time job in Puckle Street back in the day. “There’s a feeling about the area that’s never gone away.”
In 2005, Sam and his brother Jim took over Mama Lina’s, which was then on Keilor Road. With the move to Mount Alexander Road in 2021, Mama Lina continues to be a place where tradition meets community.
The Soul of Mama Lina’s
For Sam, food isn’t just sustenance; it’s family and culture. Growing up in a Southern Italian household, meals were the hub of life. This is evident at Mama Lina’s where their mother’s cooking lovingly inspires the recipes.
The signature dishes like seafood pasta, calamari and schnitzels are a testament to this. “We want people to feel like they’re sitting around our family dinner table,” says Sam. “That sense of home is what we want to bring to every plate.”
Quality is non-negotiable at Mama Lina’s. Jim spends hours sourcing the best ingredients so every dish meets the family’s high standards.
The Challenges
Like many hospitality businesses, Mama Lina’s faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lockdowns brought financial pressure and tough decisions including moving the restaurant in late 2021.
“COVID forced us to pivot and re-evaluate our priorities,” says Sam. “We stuck to our values and stayed focused on good food and good service even through the tough times.”
Despite the odds Mama Lina’s came out stronger and continues to offer its unique experience in the competitive Moonee Valley hospitality scene.
Legacy and Giving Back
Mama Lina’s is more than a cafe; it’s where life’s milestones are marked. From anniversaries to weddings the cafe has been the backdrop to countless special moments.
Sam’s late son Robert is remembered through the “Robbie’s Bar” a beautiful tribute to his enduring spirit. The Agostino family’s connection to sport is also reflected in Robert’s love of soccer and the cafe’s connection to the local sports community.
Outside of the cafe Mama Lina’s gives back to the Moonee Valley community. From MS fundraisers to being a hub for local causes Sam and his team show what it means to support their neighbours. “We’ve been lucky to have such wonderful customers and we will always give back whenever we can,” says Sam.
New Venture: Sustainability
Sam’s business journey has recently gone into sustainability. He is now involved in a company that recycles solar panels, a critical need in the Australian renewable energy space.
“We’re deploying millions of solar panels but they eventually reach end of life,” says Sam. “We want to recover valuable materials and keep waste out of landfills.”
By partnering with industry leaders and using technology Sam’s venture is another example of his forward thinking business approach and his desire to make a positive impact.
Come Visit
Whether you’re a long time customer or first timer Mama Lina’s is the place to experience real Italian food with a side of community.
Book online or call the cafe to book your table. While you’re there try the seafood pasta or calamari – Sam says it’s worth it!
Listen to the Full Episode
Listen to the full episode to hear more of Sam’s story and how he balances tradition, resilience and innovation to build community.
Content Hype – Melbourne Content Marketing Agency
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