Event venue offers caterer’s kitchen in historic spot downtown
By Randy Arrington
LURAY, Dec. 10 — Six month’s ahead of Mother’s Day, Barbie Stombock and Greg Lockridge cut the ribbon Tuesday on a new business venture aimed at honoring their moms, from the color scheme on the walls to the spirit of the renovated historic space on East Main Street known as Zora Jane Downtown Events.
“We wanted to do something to honor our mothers,” Stombock said. “They fixed our first meals, and they planned our first parties. They both loved people…people loved them and being around them…they both loved opening up their homes.”
Originally the Luray A&P store location (before it moved out to East End Shopping Center) and then a Maytag outlet with Valley Appliance, the original press tin ceilings hang high over new floors and a new bar in the back of the century-old building. The walls’ grey tone honors the struggle Greg’s mother, Zora, had with brain cancer; while the purple accents reflect Barbie’s mother, Jane’s, battle with Alzheimer’s.
On Tuesday, dozens of supporters and local officials gathered for a ribbon cutting hosted by the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce. Zora Jane’s hosted an Open House throughout the afternoon.
“This is one of my last official acts as mayor, and I couldn’t be happier…it’s a ribbon cutting,” outgoing Mayor Jerry Dofflemyer said. “Thank you so much for being here and investing in Downtown Luray.”
“This is a wonderful turnout and it’s a testament to what Barbie and Greg are to the community,” Chamber President Gina Hillard said. “You’ve done a beautiful job with the renovation, and thank you for investing in another piece of property in Luray and taking a chance on another business venture here.”
For those needing a space for rehearsal dinners, anniversary or birthday parties, corporate events and other special occasions, Zora Jane Downtown Events offers a catering kitchen if you want to bring and prepare your own food, or you can hire Greg for an extra fee. Pop-up, chef-hosted dinners and guest chefs will be invited for seasonal or themed events.
“It’s flexible…It’s something for everyone,” said the former sous chef at the former Four and Twenty Blackbirds in Flint Hill. Lockridge can prepare meals on site for groups of around 60 or less. Both owners say they want to fill a void in available event space in the area — offering smaller, less expensive opportunities for entertaining.
“I have been privileged to walk with them on this journey and see it come to life, and what you have done is amazing,” said Luray Downtown Initiative Program Director Jackie Wood. “Miss Zora and Miss Jane are smiling down on you.”
Stombock says she spent four years looking at other event spaces to see how they operated, and “how they presented their offerings.” Once the space at 14 East Main opened up, she and Greg jumped at the chance to host others, just like their mothers did years ago.
“We like to have fun,” Stombock said, “just like they did.”
Zora Jane Downtown Events is located at 14 East Main Street in Luray. Rates vary based on number attending, catering needs, menu, time requested, etc.
To fill out a form for booking, visit their FACEBOOK PAGE and click the “About” option
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