Mama’s Meatball opening a new location in San Luis Obispo. Here’s why

Mama’s Meatball, located in downtown San Luis Obispo at the Creamery Marketplace, will be opening a new restaurant at the old Upper Crust Trattoria spot in Laguna Plaza.

Manager Damien Lopez said that the popular Italian eatery has taken a hit from the parking fee increase in July and the lack of parking at the Creamery.

“Our labor-to-sales ratio has completely dropped to the point where we have had to cut the hours of our staff,” Lopez said. “We just can’t afford it.”

Lopez added that other business owners in the Creamery are also struggling with the lack of parking.

Mama’s Meatball in the Creamery will be converted into a takeout-only operation, according to Lopez.

The new location should open sometime in March or April.