Mama Mia Italiana's owner Christina Kumbara said The Woodlands restaurant has outperformed her Atascocita location since it opened in August 2010 off of FM 2978.

"I think people are finding out there's more food out here instead of always going to the front [of The Woodlands]," Kumbara said.

Serving up her parents' Italian recipes, Kumbara oversees the kitchen and has made few changes since opening. However, the menu does offer some subtle changes throughout the year, and she anticipates a lighter menu featuring salads and chicken beginning in January.

Kumbara said dishes served with pomodoro sauce—made with Roma tomatoes, basil and garlic—have been especially popular recently. Mama Mia also has seen steady growth through catering, which makes up about 25 percent of the business.

Pleased with the location, Kumbara said she expects Mama Mia's growth to continue as development spreads along FM 2978. However, she said she does not know whether she wants to add a third location.

"I want this one to grow and get this well established," Kumbara said.

Kumbara said she hopes to begin offering cooking classes in 2014. She said they are offered at the Atascocita location, and she believes they would be fun for customers.

30420 FM 2978, The Woodlands, 936-647-2809, www.mamamiaitalianas.com