- Business: The Todd House
- Website: www.todd-house.com/
I recently sat down with Nelson Lee to learn more about this great Columbus County landmark. We discussed their transition of the boarding house to a gift shop and I learned that I’m not the only celebrity that’s enjoyed the down home cookin’ of The Todd House. ~Christopher Columbus
CC: Tell us little bit about The Todd House (style of restaurant and services you provide).
NL: The Todd House was started in 1923 by Mary Todd and became famous for home cooked meals as it still is today. We provide fresh local vegetables, make all our salads, bake our desserts and breads and serve fresh meats. We use no processed items. We offer catering up to 4,000 people and travel up to 100 miles. We also offer take out service and delivery.
CC: What are some of your popular menu items?
NL: Our specialties are fried chicken, turkey & dressing, country style steak, candied yams, collards, and fresh butter beans & field peas.
CC: I tried my first collards at The Todd House. Yummy! Can you give us a brief history of The Todd House?
NL: Two families have owned the Todd House over the past 85 years. Ms. Mary Todd and daughter Virginia Smith owned it up until 1976. My parents,Hector and Rachel Lee, bought it in 1976. I came home in 1980 to help my Mom and Dad and have been here ever since. The Todd House operated as a boarding house up until 2007. We decided to close the boarding and open a gift shop in the newly renovated building.
CC: Did you always know that you would one day come back home to take over the business? What inspired you to do so?
NL: I came home to live a slower country-style of living with close friends nearby and to be with my aging parents. I’ll never regret that decision.
CC: The Todd House isn’t just a place for the locals. It’s well known for attracting vacationers, travelers and even celebrities. Besides yours truly, who are some of the celebrities that have patronized The Todd House?
NL: Alabama, Sugar Ray Leonard, Kentucky Head Hunters, Governor Mike Easley, Governor Bev Perdue, Frank McGuire and Drew Barrymore.
CC: What is your favorite Todd House meal?
NL: Pork chop, rice and stewed tomatos, collards and cornbread.
CC: Nelson, it’s been a pleasure.
NL: Thanks, Chris.