When Lorraine and Bud Zomok bought The Spicery four years ago, they weren’t looking for a restaurant — they were trying to protect a legacy.
“We believe in historic preservation, we believe in bringing community together,” she said.
Glendale’s original tearoom recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Now it and Historic Catlin Court and Old Towne District stores are gearing up for the 32nd annual Front Porch & Old Towne Marketplace from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10.
The Scarecrow Stroll starts at the Arizona Information Center located at Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures (5836 W. Palmaire Ave.) to pick up the activity list and event map. The first 100 guests will receive a free commemorative event sticker.
“Many of our shops decorate a scarecrow iconic to their shop,” Zomok explained. “The scarecrow at the Spicery Tea Room is going to have a chef’s hat.”
Businesses will host fall-themed activities, including make-and-take crafts, seasonal menu items, specialty tea experiences, and autumn-inspired gifts and décor. In addition, experienced artisans and emerging makers and crafters will have displays and live art demonstrations throughout the area.
“It’s a fun way to make sure you have time to stop into each store, get to know them, and then have something commemorative,” Zomok said.
That commemorative piece is often the charm trail, where guests collect $2 charms from participating shops.
“Many of our customers have been doing this for years, and they now have three and four charm bracelets that they filled,” she added.
The festival’s roots stretch back more than three decades when Linda Burner from Bears & More wanted more visitors to see Catlin Court’s front porches.
DEEPER DIVE: 5 new tenants are coming to Queen Creek Marketplace
READ MORE: Phoenix industrial market ranks No. 7 in nation
Her own memories
For Zomok, the Spicery and the Scarecrow Stroll share the same purpose: preserving Glendale’s character while creating new memories. She often reflects on the building’s long timeline.
“This house was built in 1895,” she said. “We all want to fill it with beautiful, impactful, legacy-building things.”
The tea room’s traditions began with founder Martha Campbell, whom Zomok calls “a true matriarch for Glendale, a visionary and a woman who had endless energy and love for Downtown Glendale.
“She built this business from the ground up with tenacity, creativity, passion for good food and really bringing people together. So, in 1986, she opened this tearoom, and it’s been running continuously for those 40 years. What’s really incredible is we’re just the third owners in that 40-year history.”
As owner, Zomok will do anything for her customers, including performing a wedding ceremony.
“My answer was, ‘Absolutely yes,’” she recalled. “They went one step further. They asked if I would perform the ceremony. That was one of the most special moments of my life. I became ordained. Since then, I’ve married or performed vow renewals for six couples.
“That’s the type of thing that happens in this really treasured home.” Love is expressed further throughout the home. As for the menu, Campbell’s recipes remain untouched.
“Our signature item is our chicken salad,” Zomok said. “She had a very unique secret recipe for the chicken salad. People come from all over for it.”
Besides the chicken salad, The Spicery is known for its three-, four- or five-course tea experiences.
“It really feels like you’re sitting in England for a very traditional tea experience,” she said. “Everyone dresses up and has a really good time. We also don’t double-book tables. We open at 11 a.m. and close at 2:30 p.m. If you come in at 11, you are more than welcome to stay at your table until 2:30 p.m. We don’t rush anyone.”
Owning The Spicery wasn’t part of her retirement plan, but it has become one of the most meaningful chapters of her life. The Zomoks purchased the home in 2022 and reopened it on Oct. 6, 2022. Other caretakers include their longtime friend Sue Berntsen and Zomok’s brother, Kenn Clark.
“At the age of 62, I never expected to own a restaurant,” Zomok said. “My husband and I were gearing up for retirement. When The Spicery came up for sale, and there was concern that it wouldn’t remain Glendale’s original tearoom, we both said at the same time, ‘Are you ready to do this?”
After the couple bought the building, they closed it for three months to make sure history would continue.
“We wanted to be sure that there were historic preservation plans in place because we have the original floors, original built-ins, etc.,” said Zomok, Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association president.
“It’s decorated like the 1800s, early 1900s. We also made some modern updates: a new roof, fresh paint, plumbing and electrical work, because we want this building to be here for another 130 years. I know this is part of the reason this became part of our lives.”
