It all began on November 1, 1951, when Matula and Ted Gregory moved into and renamed the former McCabe’s Inn as the Montgomery Inn. Matula and Ted Gregory were expecting their first child and struggling to make their way. Little did anyone know Montgomery Inn would also become their “baby.” Everyone who came to work at the bar for the next few years became a part of the family.

In the early 50’s, Montgomery, Ohio, was a “one-horse town.” But it was growing quickly, and soon wagon loads of folks looking for a safe and friendly place to live began settling there. Ted and Matula agreed it would be a great place to raise their family, which ultimately numbered four children: Tom, Dean, Vickie and Terry.

In coming years, Matula blossomed into an excellent cook. With four kids at home and a husband working every night to build the business, Matula fixed dinner for the family then packed up the rest and took it to the restaurant for Ted to enjoy when he had a chance. Ted usually had a crony or two who would delight in having a bite at the bar with him.

One night, Matula fixed barbecued ribs with her now-famous barbecue sauce; everyone who tried them raved. Soon they were on the menu and the Gregorys were running a bona fide restaurant. When a local restaurant critic dubbed Ted the “Ribs King,” history was in the making.

As the four children grew up and joined the business, they expanded their little restaurant several times, and then ultimately opened the Montgomery Inn at the Boathouse in 1989. The Boathouse, overlooking the Ohio River, was Ted Gregory’s pride and joy.

As more and more customers enjoyed the flavor of Matula’s secret-recipe barbecue sauce, making the demand for Montgomery Inn products grow at a frantic pace. In 1990, Montgomery Inn began selling its barbecue sauce and mouth-watering ribs in local groceries. In recent years, they have added Saratoga-style potato chips, pulled smoked pork and pulled smoked chicken to the grocery shelves in 23 states. In response to the national demand, Montgomery Inn added a mail order division, which sends the ribs and sauce from coast to coast, shipping more than 25,000 packages annually.

In 2001, a third restaurant joined the family in Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky. Then in 2009, their newest restaurant opened in the Columbus area in Dublin, Ohio. As the Gregory grandchildren have grown-up, some have entered the growing restaurant business. Montgomery Inn is, and will always be, a part of the family. We proudly welcome you as a member of the Inn Crowd. Enjoy yourself in our restaurants. We look forward to serving you for generations to come.