Mama

The mama is the woman who runs a snack bar, club or lounge, usually as its owner or manager. At a small snack bar she stands behind the counter herself, mixing drinks, talking with guests and singing along at karaoke. At a larger club she oversees the whole venue and may have a deputy, the chi-mama. A male owner in the same role is called the master.

Guests address her as Mama or Mama-san; there is no need to use her name. A snack bar's bill is the set fee she has decided plus bottles, and there is no nomination fee for the mama herself. At a venue new to you, once seated, tell her it is your first time and ask how the prices work; she will explain.