Julia Ireland has plenty of ideas to bring more fun to downtown.

The co-owner of Torched Goodness and partner Andrew Sexton will take over management of The Lodge on Main starting March 1.

They became interested in managing the business after hearing it was closing. Building owners Susan and Joe Pelzer said they were planning to shut down The Lodge in June because they didn’t have time to keep up with the business full time.

However, the two reconsidered after Ireland mentioned she was interested in managing the space.

“Julia has been a staple here in downtown Eudora for a long time,” Joe Pelzer said.

Ireland said she decided to take over The Lodge because she didn’t want to see it go.

“I know so many people in Eudora love The Lodge, and they’ve booked events there for years,” she said. “We just didn’t like the idea of it being gone.”

Ireland wants to host fun events for the community like wine tastings or craft projects.

“We are just working on some ideas of things that might bring in some business during the week and also be fun for the community,” she said.

Ireland said she’s excited for the opportunity and feels prepared to take on the responsibility of managing The Lodge.

“I’ve had Torched Goodness for 15 years in May so I’ve planned a ton of events. I know that end of the business so it really seemed to be an easy addition to what we do,” Ireland said.

Despite passing off management, the Pelzers will still own the building.

The Lodge on Main will continue to be an event space and rent out table linens. Ireland said they will also rent out things like coffee makers and food warmers.

Although The Lodge’s weekends are booked out far in advance, Joe Pelzer said getting people into the space during the week was difficult since the couple isn’t in Eudora full time. He said their goal was to find management that could bring the Eudora community into The Lodge during the week.

“By talking to Julia and Andrew, they’ve got some really exciting plans,” Joe Pelzer said. “They’re thinking outside of the box and finding ways to make it more of a gathering spot other than just on weekends.”

To schedule an event at The Lodge, call 214-926-0800 or email [email protected]