Shared Table
The Storm is committed to supporting local businesses in our community not just on the court, but in the front office. To celebrate heritage months or holidays, we partner with a local business associated with the community being celebrated that month to cater a staff meal, including a 'lunch and learn' where the small business owner will share their background and more about their business.
We're proud to partner with Intentionalist to encourage our staff and community to find and support local businesses and the diverse people behind them. Learn more at intentionalist.com
Women's History Month — Cafe Turko
Süreyya Gökeri has been working as a small business owner for 35 years. She started her career by selling textile goods like pillows, hats and gloves made from recycled materials. While working in textiles, Süreyya started teaching vegan Turkish cooking at cooking schools in the Seattle area. Teaching these classes introduced her to her passion for cooking. Cafe Turko came to life and has been in business for 13 years. After that, she opened her Turkish food catering business and coffee shop located in Bothell.
Get to know Cafe Turko business owner Süreyya Gökeri
What does being a women-owned small business mean to you?
Not only as a woman small business owner but also a Muslim business owner, I have always tried to be strong, resilient and able to face obstacles and opportunities to create something meaningful for my community. I sometimes face extra challenges, such as stereotypes or having to prove your credibility in a competitive industry. I also feel responsible to reflect my values through halal practices, modesty, hospitality and ethical business standards.
What is rewarding about the work you do?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing happy customers, building relationships and watching my business grow through hard work and dedication.
What are the ways the Storm community can get involved?
Visit the restaurant, recommend us to friends, leave positive reviews, and support local small businesses while giving credit to women business owners. It is not easy to run a restaurant in this time with changing cost of items and taxes.
Visit our websites to learn more:
We’re proud to partner with the Intentionalist to support Seattle-based Women-owned small businesses. For more information, visit intentionalist.com
Black History Month — Blk Pepper
Blk Pepper is a Seattle-based small business, born and raised in community cooking — taught by mothers and grandmothers, not culinary school. The business officially launched in 2020, rooted in bold, clean, intentional food that nourishes people beyond just the plate. What started as fueling collegiate athletes evolved into catering and private dining, fueling professional athletes and families who care deeply about performance and/or quality. They began working with the Seattle Storm in 2021, evolving into a meaningful relationship; supporting elite women athletes aligns deeply with Blk Pepper’s values and mission.
Get to know Blk Pepper business owners Toni and Shaun Thomas
What does working with a professional team mean to a small and local business?
For a small, local, Black-owned business, it means being trusted at what we consider the highest level and a platform that says, “Excellence lives here too.” It also means impact. When a major organization invests in a local business, that investment circulates back into the community through hiring, sourcing locally and mentorship. This partnership proves that small businesses can operate at elite levels.
What does Black History look like? How does it impact your business?
Black History looks like resilience, innovation and ownership. It looks like cooking traditions passed down through generations, building businesses despite limited access to capital, turning culture into enterprise and trying our best to be excellent without permission. As Black women business owners, we don’t separate Black History from daily work. It lives in motherhood, food, leadership and the space we create in kitchens. Black entrepreneurship has always been about more than profit. It’s about community, access and legacy. That mindset also shapes how we source and serve. When we feed the Storm, we’re not just providing meals. We’re standing in a lineage of Black cooks, farmers and business owners who built something from nothing.
What are ways the Storm community (fans and employees) can get involved and visit you in the community?
Fans and employees can book catering for corporate or private events, attend pop-ups and community dinners and follow and share social content. We are one of the newest members of the Ballard Farmers Market held every Sunday from 9a-2p. We’re always looking to build partnerships rooted in excellence and impact.
Intentionalist
Intentionalist is an online guide to intentional spending that connects consumers with local businesses owned by women, people of color, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and people with disabilities. The Storm partner with Intentionalist to highlight diverse businesses in the Puget Sound Area.
Each Black History Month, Women's History Month, AANHPI Heritage Month, Pride Month, and Latin American Heritage Month, the Storm partners with our fellow Seattle Sports teams to support local businesses from these communities. For the entire month, Seattle sports fans can upload their receipts from local businesses and enter to win prize packs from their favorite teams.
