THE TODD HOUSE
102 Live Oak Street
Tabor City, North Carolina
(910) 653-3778

The first home cooked meal to send its aroma through the Todd House doors occurred way back in 1923. The meal was prepared by the then owner and originator of the establishment, Mrs. Mary Todd. She had left the turpentine producing community of Pireway to cook and rent rooms in her house to the visiting tobacco buyers. Todd prepared home cooked meals, leaving her cooking pots on the dining table. As her business grew, she had to close in her back porch to provide additional room for her guests. She provided rooms for quail hunters in the three story boarding house and provided pens under her home for their dogs. Traveling salesmen could eat supper, spend the night, and have breakfast the next morning at the Todd House for a grand total of just $2.

Mrs. Todd never owned a cash register; she kept her money in her apron pocket. She gathered fresh fruit daily from her back yard, where fig trees and strawberry patches could be found. She also kept her own chicken coop out back. Mrs. Todd died in 1963, but many still remember her as a great cook and a generous woman who never hesitated to help those in need. Her daughter Virginia Smith took over the business and continued the same traditions that her mother had started. A fire destroyed the old building in 1971. The Todd House was rebuilt with the present day large dining rooms and fourteen boarding rooms.

Hector and Rachel Lee bought the Todd House in 1976. The Lees continued the established traditions and added a few of their own. Rachel brought with her 26 years of cooking experience as a cafeteria manager at Tabor City High School. She is known for her sweet seasoning of foods, as well as her specialty of homemade Red Velvet cakes and Sour Cream Pound cakes. She also prepares homemade jellies and relishes to this day.

Nelson Lee took over the full operation of the business after the death of Hector Lee in 1988. Nelson has continued to provide a home-cooked daily buffet and even added a steam table to better serve the growing number of customers. He has also added a catering service that has served a very wide area.

Through the years the Todd House has served all types of people, from local farmers, townspeople, vacationers and celebrities. Star visitors include boxer Sugar Ray Leonard and Hollywood's Drew Barrymore. The weekday all you can eat buffet runs just $6.25 ($7.75 on Sundays). The buffet includes sweet tea and dessert - usually a fresh-baked cobbler or a rich pudding. The Fried Chicken here is top notch and don't miss the pulled Pork BBQ on the Wednesday buffet. Everything here is first class and prepared with a great deal of love.

Once you're completely stuffed (I know you will be!) be sure to purchase a delicious cake or pie to take home as a short term souvenir of one of the South's top down-home eateries. Hours of operation are Sunday-Friday from 11 AM - 2:30 PM and Monday nights from 5 PM - 7:30 PM. The Todd House still houses boarders as in the days of old. Each room has a private bath, color TV, and maid service.

Rooms can be rented with or without meals. I strongly recommend going with the meals!

The Todd House is located at 102 Live Oak Street, Tabor City, North Carolina.  You can reach The Todd House by phone at (910) 653-3778. Be sure to tell them that DixieDining.com sent you!

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