For The Culture Campaign Delivers First Black-Owned Restaurant At Paycom Center

Bigger Than Food Foundation’s “For The Culture” Campaign Secures Historic Win for Black-Owned Businesses at Paycom Center

Oklahoma City, OK – In a groundbreaking achievement, the Bigger Than Food Foundation’s For The Culture inclusive procurement campaign has paved the way for Big O’s Pork & Dreams to become the first Black-owned restaurant with a permanent concession inside Paycom Center, home of the Oklahoma City Thunder. This milestone signifies a monumental victory for supplier diversity and local economic development.

Launched in early 2024, For The Culture is a supplier campaign created by the Bigger Than Food Foundation to drive inclusive business opportunities for historically underrepresented communities. The initiative was first tested during February’s OKC Thunder home games, as a pat of OKC Black Restaurant Bingo, where Black-owned BBQ restaurants Big O’s Pork & Dreams and HeavenLee BBQ were featured as pop-up vendors. The response from NBA fans was overwhelmingly positive, leading to negotiations with the OKC Thunder and Levy Restaurants to make Big O’s a permanent fixture.

“We are beyond thrilled to announce this historic achievement,” said Apollo Woods, Executive Director of the Bigger Than Food Foundation. “The success of For The Culture showcases the real impact of inclusive procurement and proves that Black-owned businesses belong in major sports arenas.”

Inclusive procurement not only elevates underrepresented businesses but also strengthens the broader economy. Programs like For The Culture are critical to ensuring these businesses succeed, creating jobs, generating revenue, and serving as a key driver of local, state, and national economies.