Moore Family

I had no idea what I was doing, thought I was opening a quaint Tea Room. With no business experience, not knowing how to write a check, I called momma and said, "they actually have trucks to deliver food, I don't have to go to Delchamps".  Ten days before opening, Alec Namam, my cousin, informed me I was opening a restaurant and needed a menu. He wrote it, taught me the recipes, and how to cook.  Alec and his team stayed with me for a couple of months to make sure I got on my feet, not asking anything in return, I'm grateful Alec.

I spent seven years with a negative balance in my checking account, up every night calling the bank, checking my balance to see how far behind it was. I once paid my employees with change from the cash register, so you want to open a restaurant huh? I never gave up, believing some day I'd catch up and turn the corner. 

In 1999 I was able to buy this building, forever displaying our family name, Zoghby-Moore. Located on Dauphin Street, in the heart of the arts and entertainment district, now considered ground zero for downtown redevelopment. 

In 2001, the Archdiocese donated the land in front of the Cathedral Church and Spot of Tea to the City, with the condition no restroom be built, Cathedral Square was born. The city built a crosswalk from our front door to the Cathedral Square, I'm grateful City. 

In 2003 Mayor Mike Dow and I shared a vision of a sidewalk café', developed it over a few years, and still evolves today. Mike gave me a Right Of Way agreement for the sidewalk café and tables in the Square, I'm grateful Mike.

In 2009 I built the balcony with a spiral staircase to it, we now seat about one hundred guests outside between all the different spaces. 

Today we're considered Mobile's Flagship restaurant, and a bucket list destination for visitors from around the country.  

Thank you for taking the time to learn about the evolution of the Spot of Tea. We look forward to seeing what the next twenty-seven years brings!