The Historic Amos Eno House Legacy
The Amos Eno House, now known as the Simsbury 1820 House, is home to Soma Grille—its name inspired by Amos spelled backward. Built in 1822 by Elisha Phelps on land from his father, Noah Phelps, the home showcases fine woodwork and glass that reflected the family’s wealth. Elisha and his wife raised three children there: Mary, John, and Lucy. John became Missouri’s governor and U.S. senator, while Mary’s son later served in Congress.
Amos Enos Summer Residence
Lucy Phelps married Amos Richards Eno, who built Manhattan’s famous Fifth Avenue Hotel and founded the Second National Bank. The family summered at the Simsbury house, where grandson Gifford Pinchot, future Governor of Pennsylvania, was born. After the scandal with Amos’ son John, Amos expanded the estate. His daughter Antoinette later renamed it Eaglewood, hosted social events, and welcomed the Connecticut Women’s Suffrage League, joined by Katharine Houghton Hepburn.
After The Eno Family
After Antoinette’s death, the house passed to her nephew, was later sold, and briefly became a restaurant before a developer built a community around it. Simsbury bought it in 1960, maintaining it little until a major restoration in 1985. In 2019, Soma Grille opened, transforming the historic home with a striking square bar and elegant indoor and outdoor dining spaces, blending history with a modern dining experience.
Meet Carlos, The Passion Behind the Flavor
Carlos, the proud owner of Soma Grille, brings passion, dedication, and a love for hospitality to every part of the restaurant. His vision is to create a welcoming place where guests enjoy both exceptional food and genuine connections. With a commitment to quality, Carlos ensures that every detail, from the menu to the atmosphere, reflects his belief in great dining as both a meal and an experience.
Meet Our General Manager, Christopher Riley
Christopher Riley, our General Manager, brings 35 years of hospitality experience and a lifelong passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. A Connecticut native, Chris specializes in event planning, marketing, sales, and management. His partnership with owner Carlos Rodriguez stems from their early days at Max Amore and continues through shared ventures like Capital Catering and Click2Cater. Chris lives in Granby with his wife, daughters, and their two dogs.
Our Team
Behind Carlos and Christopher is a hardworking team that makes each visit memorable. From the kitchen staff crafting meals with precision to the friendly servers welcoming every guest, our team works together to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. They take pride in delivering attentive service, ensuring that whether you’re here for a quick bite or a celebration, you’ll always feel valued and cared for.