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About Us

Where History Meets Hospitality 

Top rated restaurant & historic venue in the Maryland DMV area. 

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Circa 1744 historic property, wild gardens, riverbank views, and ancient trees are just a few details that The Elkridge Furnace Inn has to offer when creating a storybook setting for any occasion.

 

Say your vows on the banks of the majestic Patapsco River, followed by a cocktail hour throughout the 1810 Manor House and gardens, and reception in the newly renovated (and yes, climate controlled) tent with jaw dropping draping, magical twinkle lights, and crystal chandeliers. 

Our Team

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Dan Wecker

Executive Chef & Owner

With both the passions to create and to serve, you’ll find Chef Dan completely at home in the kitchen, the gardens, and the dining rooms greeting guests.  His extensive training in French cuisine, encyclopedic knowledge of wines, and endless array of tales to tell and history to share make him a true gem of the Elkridge!

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Donna Wecker

Owner/Sales & Management

Whether curating local artwork, greeting wedding guests,  or perfecting centerpieces, Donna enjoys masterminding memorable events and spaces.  Her background is linguistics and French cultures.  She enjoys collaborating in the community and appreciates opportunities to connect business with life.

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Patrick Rodeheaver

Chef de Cuisine

Chef Patrick is our locally-grown, right-hand-man to Chef Dan.  His forestry degree and certification  as a mushroom expert help with our on-site mushroom house, seasonal menu planning, wine/spirit events and local foraging.  He is an esprit de force in and of himself.  We are so thankful to have him helping to lead our Kitchen Team!

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Chef Danny Nguyen

Chef Danny began his pastry career as a student of the renowned Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.  His pastry skills quickly earned him a reputation in the hospitality industry, and six months after graduating,  joined the Elkridge Furnace Inn as lead of our Pastry Team.  Chef Danny also serves as EFI’s Wedding Cake Artist constantly finding new ways to create happy memories for our couples.  What he loves most about baking is its ability to make him feel like a wizard, scientist, and magician in the kitchen.  Prior to his pastry career, Chef Danny Nguyen worked as an architect in Vietnam.  He continues to draw on these skills by envisioning sweet masterpieces with texture and structure...for your pleasure!

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Naina Saleem

Weddings & Events

Naina is a natural leader, excelling in sales, marketing, and event management. She is deeply committed to her wedding couples, ensuring that their special day is filled with cherished memories and successful outcomes.  Her love of life spills into what she does here in fun and surprising ways.  She is a joy as well as a true professional.

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Melissa Pickering

Hospitality Assistant

Melissa is the newest addition to our office staff and we are so grateful for her.  A hometown girl, she brings enthusiasm and an amazing team spirit  behind the scenes to make sure the details for our events are colorful, creative and fun.  Be sure to welcome her when you call for your next reservation or event!

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Our Story

In 1989, Dan and Donna Wecker sold their house and moved onto this historic complex which had been slated for demolition until it was secured by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This young couple had put in a bid to do a restaurant/catering business on the site which was accepted. The abandoned circa 1744 Tavern, 1810 Manor House and 1830 Brick House were in serious disrepair. The Wecker family took on the task of restoration opening for the first time as a catering facility in 1992, restaurant in 1994 and completed extensive professional kitchens in 1996 all with sweat equity and reinvesting…which continues today. With stunning views of the Patapsco River, the grounds and gardens offer both a gorgeous retreat and tasty inspiration for our menus which boast an upscale farm to table theme. Our many green practices include composting and networking with several local farms to share our green scraps with their livestock. Chef Dan and Donna offer lively hospitality with their dedicated staff of employees, including their daughter Genelle, who you can see at the Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Matthias who dedicates their time to the grounds and behind the scenes. Chef Dan was trained under the tutelage of Michel Beaupin from Grenoble, France under a four-and-a-half-year apprenticeship where he mastered all the disciplines of the French Kitchen. With additional passion for geography, history, wine and terroir, it all comes together for Maryland’s most unique dining experience. We look forward to sharing story and great food and drink when you visit…

Our Partnerships

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