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He was the welcoming face that greeted guests, the steady hand behind every detail, and an integral part of what made Mamma Maria so beloved.

Nico Herregodts, the beloved longtime manager of Mamma Maria Restaurant in Boston's North End, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Melrose Wakefield Hospital after a battle with cancer. He was 65. 

Nico was born in Ghent, Belgium, on August 21, 1960, the son of the late Arthur Herregodts and Martha V. (Steen) Herregodts. Raised in Belgium, he developed an early appreciation for fine food, gracious hospitality, and the simple joy of bringing people together. Before making his home in the United States, Nico owned his own restaurant in Belgium, laying the foundation for a lifelong career dedicated to exceptional dining and warm service. 

After immigrating to the United States, Nico continued his career in hospitality, first at the renowned L'Espalier in Boston before finding his professional home at Mamma Maria in the North End. For more than twenty years, he became much more than the restaurant's manager. He was the welcoming face that greeted guests, the steady hand behind every detail, and an integral part of what made Mamma Maria so beloved. His impeccable taste, remarkable attention to detail, and natural gift for making every guest feel special earned him the admiration of countless diners, many of whom came to know him as a friend as much as a host. 

Warm, charismatic, and engaging, Nico possessed a personality that could light up any room. He was known for his quick wit, infectious smile, and unmistakable sense of style. He delighted in life's joyful moments, from dancing to his favorite music to entertaining those around him with his humor and unforgettable impressions. Beneath his vibrant personality was a genuinely kind and attentive man whose generosity of spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he met. 

To his coworkers, Nico was more than a manager. He was a mentor, a trusted colleague, and a cherished friend whose loyalty and compassion created lifelong bonds. 

Though he will be deeply missed, his gracious spirit and vibrant presence will forever remain a part of the Mamma Maria family and in the hearts of the many friends, colleagues, and guests whose lives he touched.