Meet the Chefs:
From Food Truck to Film House, One Burger at a Time
July 2025 | Article and photos by Renata Haidle
I am not a burger person. But I know a good one when I taste it, and what Jordan Hodson and his business partner, Hailey Elizabeth, are doing is nothing short of impressive. Their burgers, born of skill and genuine passion, are far from ordinary; they are food with a soul.
Jordan and Hailey are the driving force behind the Pink Patties food truck and now The Pub at Art House Cinema. A restaurant venture wasn't on their radar, but when Art House approached them repeatedly, they recognized an opportunity, not just to feed people, but to create a meaningful gathering space in Billings, one rooted deeply in family values, serving the community, and the sheer comfort of a shared meal.
Jordan, a Billings native, earned recognition running Elements Catering, driven by a lifelong passion for food. “I’ve always loved cheeseburgers,” he says. “It’s deeply rewarding to watch someone’s face light up when they take that first bite.” Hailey’s route to the culinary world was quite different. With extensive experience as a general manager and operations trainer for major corporations like Ulta Beauty and Gap Inc., she brought essential business acumen to their ventures. However, a"er the birth of their first daughter, Hailey felt compelled to slow down. “I wanted to maintain my drive and ambition, but still have the flexibility to be truly present with my children,” she explains.
This balance between professional achievement and family presence became the guiding principle for their future endeavors.
Pink Patties emerged during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. With catering events indefinitely paused, Hailey recognized a rising trend. “My research showed food trucks were thriving due to their adaptability and contactless nature,” she recalls. Seizing the moment, they launched Pink Patties in Helena, focusing exclusively on smash burgers, fries, and milkshakes. The simplicity paid off immediately. “We consistently sold out, serving over 200 burgers daily,” Hailey recalls.
Today, Pink Patties continues to operate primarily through weddings and private functions, specializing in custom burgers named a"er couples – a personalized touch greatly appreciated by clients. Their standout offerings include the "American Dream," featuring bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, American cheese, and their original "pinky sauce." “It’s our unique twist on fry sauce, and people absolutely love it,” Hailey says. “They use it on everything: fries, tots, burgers.” Special limited-edition burgers, like one with bacon fig jam, blue cheese, and garlic mayo, make an appearance on the menu as seasonal items, offering creative options to their faithful clientele.
At The Pub at Art House, the couple continues their business model of elevated simplicity. Hailey notes, “We didn’t want typical pub fare; we aimed to create a menu that stood apart, something uniquely tailored to our community and the Art House setting.” Although clearly linked to Pink Patties through signature items like burgers and chicken sandwiches, the Pub offers additional choices designed specifically for casual dining: wraps, salads, and, notably, their house-brined fried chicken, which consistently ranks as their top seller. Jordan explains, “Everything is prepared fresh in-house, from grinding and brining the chicken to seasoning and breading it. The extra effort truly sets it apart.” Their menu favorites include a house-specialty patty melt with sourdough and pepper jack cheese, and the "Big Kahuna," a playful yet sophisticated cheeseburger with broad appeal.
One thing that stands out about their story is the resilience and maturity of their partnership. Jordan and Hailey, though divorced, remain dedicated co-parents, business partners, and friends. “We’ve always shared a strong friendship, and we work exceptionally well together,” Hailey says. Their choice to continue as partners was not merely practical; it was deeply intentional. Jordan adds, “We both worked incredibly hard for this. Neither of us was prepared to walk away.”
Their young daughters, Lyra and Juno, provide the emotional meaning to their business journey. “Our children are the reason we pursued this,” Hailey says. “Within days of maternity leave, I had a detailed plan for Pink Patties. Parenthood fundamentally shifts your priorities and your heart.”
Personal time is scarce, yet cherished. Hailey uses her quiet time to paint and read – she shares that she owns over a thousand books. Jordan, meanwhile, is an amateur mixologist and talented photographer who quietly manages their businesses' visual branding. Hailey proudly notes, “Every photo you see on our social media, that’s Jordan’s work.”
Operationally, the duo maintains a lean but effective structure. They rely on a small, dedicated team for both The Pub and the food truck, emphasizing teamwork, clear communication, and mutual trust. “Running a business demands flexibility and a certain comfort with unpredictability,” Hailey reflects.
When asked what they most want Billings residents to know, Hailey replies warmly: “Everyone is welcome here. Whether you come for a film or to enjoy a good meal and conversation, The Pub offers a welcoming space.”
Ultimately, Hailey believes food is profoundly connective: “Every meaningful conversation - whether joyful, difficult, or transformative - often unfolds around a meal. That’s what I love most about our work: its power to bring people together.”
Originally printed in the July 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine
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