In 1982, Lisa Waddell, with a long history in the food and beverage industry, and John Waddell, with his own restaurant industry experience and construction expertise, would marry and team up to open a small delicatessen and bakery in Buena Park, Ca. called Party Pantry. The concept was simple, to give the local community a place to get great sandwiches, gourmet desserts, decorative wedding and party cakes, and party supplies at an affordable price. Word spread fast in the community and soon after, Lisa and John Waddell, with an “always open” business approach and persevering work-ethic, began offering affordable catering packages that would service the greater Orange County area around the clock. This soon expanded to include party equipment rentals and full-service event planning. By 1986, the second location was opened in Orange Ca. with a fleet of 29 trucks, and service vehicles. For the next several years, the pair would cater 1000’s of events at homes, community centers, business, even Disneyland, but it wouldn’t be long until they wanted to provide their service in a place of their own…..
In 1994, John and Lisa Waddell opened the 1st Garden Room in La Habra, Ca. It was “The Dream” and now that it was realized, they wanted to make other dreams come true. The venue would include an onsite chapel, kitchen, bakery, and lush garden surroundings so that couples had a place they could get married, take pictures, and enjoy a world class reception all in the same place. Now with a home for their services, Lisa and John could offer a beautiful setting that brought all their services together to give patrons an unforgettable experience. Over the first three years, The Garden Room in La Habra would host over 500 events. By the end of 2023, The Garden Room – La Habra, has had the humbling honor to host over 5,000 events.
In 1997, with the increased demand for a venue offering the same services but with higher occupancy, construction for a second location began in the city of Garden Grove. It would be called The Garden Room – Garden Grove and use the same “all-in-one” private event venue concept with the ability to accommodate up to 400 people. It would also include upgraded amenities like grand staircases, picturesque outdoor features, and stunning architecture. By the time construction was complete, Lisa stated that “Thank God it’s Over!!!, all it took is 4 magical ingredients, Money, Hard Work, a Talented Husband, and most of all, The Grace of God”. In the first 3 years, The Garden Room in Garden Grove would host over 800 weddings and events and by the end of 2023, the venue has had the humbling honor of hosting over 3,500 events.
In 2018, John Waddell passed away at the age of 86. As with any other previous time of need, Lisa’s two sons from a previous marriage, Tony and Tom Cronin, increased their operational roles with the venues. Together, with their mother, Lisa, they would navigate the next few years through the challenges of family loss, a global pandemic, labor shortages, and supply issues.
In 2022, Tony, with a background in culinary arts, hospitality, technology, and a life spent growing up with the business, joined his mother, Lisa, on a full-time basis with the intent to carry on the dream for future generations. Together, along with the entire Garden Room team, they continue to practice and instill the values of hospitality and quality service with the “always open” approach that started it all. Our goal is simple, to make every event special, memorable, and affordable for all.
From our family to yours, thank you for trusting us with your most cherished family celebrations at The Garden Room.
Thank You,
Lisa Waddell & Tony Cronin