Mama Dip's Kitchen

Tonya Council, granddaughter of culinary legend "Mama Dip," on keeping her family's legacy alive

Tonya Council, granddaughter of the late culinary legend Mildred “Mama Dip” Council, has opened her very own Southern-style eatery, Tonya’s Cafe, in Chapel Hill.

Spring Council and her siblings, all co-owners of Mama Dip’s Kitchen in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, have recently put the Rosemary Street building up for sale. Mama Dip was the nickname of Mildred Council who opened the restaurant in 1976, and ed away in 2018.

Arts & Culture

Famous Mama Dip's Kitchen changes course, prepares to sell popular Chapel Hill location

Leoneda Inge

Mama Dip's Kitchen has been a popular soul food restaurant in Chapel Hill for decades. Family, friends, UNC students, basketball icon — and famed UNC alum — Michael Jordan, and literary star Toni Morrison have all eaten there. But now the iconic spot is up for sale.

Mama Dip's Kitchen, Mama Dip, Mildred Council, Restaurants

Race, Class & Communities

Iconic Chapel Hill Restaurant Owner 'Mama Dip' Dies At 89

Leoneda Inge

The matriarch of a long-time Chapel Hill restaurant has died. Mama Dip's Kitchen specialized in soul food. Fried chicken, pulled barbecue, greens,…