170 Years of Montgomery Texas Memories!

The Eatery at Hodge Podge Lodge is another addition to the long and storied history of the property itself.  When "Melrose House" as it was known in those days was built by Richard Willis (yes, the same man the town of Willis was named after) it was considered a building masterpiece.  Many of the towns couples used the vast gardens to court their lovers.  To this day Hodge Podge Lodge as it is now known,  continues to delight couples, families and friends from all over the world with its charming B & B, Wedding & Events center, lush grounds with 300 year old pecan trees and now the newest culinary experience to every hit Montgomery Texas!  The EATERY at Hodge Podge Lodge!

Come see why so many have come to honor us with their memories while enjoying some of the best food this side of Austin! 

Chef Jeff Angelo | Owner

Jeff Angelo retired in 2012 at the age of 51. He had started his first business in 1977, a singing telegram company by the name of, Eastern Onion!  Dovetailing off the success of that franchise with more than 50 locations, he launched a party store, a costume design shop, an ad agency, a balloon decorating company, and an online photo-sharing site. Most recently, he started and grew the largest Santa Claus photography company in the world with more than 350 locations nationwide and in Canada. Jeff had no idea what was next but he knew he really enjoyed serving others and after a couple of years of volunteering for various organizations, he embarked on his next adventure!

Jeff had always had a passion for creating recipes and fine dining. He knew he needed training and in 2013 spent the next few years mastering the culinary arts to become a Chef. Still, with no experience in the restaurant business, he turned to a renowned chef in the area to assist him in opening the Eatery in 2018. It was quite a challenge as the kitchen had to be built out of a 1960s 2-car garage! But perseverance paid off and on September 1, 2018, The Eatery was born!

Reimagining Hodge Podge Lodge and rebuilding this historic structure towards becoming a Texas treasure, premier wedding & events venue, Bed & Breakfast, plus fine dining food establishment has been Chef Jeff’s greatest joy and blessing.

Chef uses his fun personality to entertain guests on special occasions. Some have been treated to some “unique” songs from his past as a singing telegram messenger. Stop in and experience the best in fresh ingredients and culinary innovations!

As Chef Jeff likes to say, “The BEST part of living is giving” and you are either green and growing or ripe and rotting. It’s never too late to be great!