Sacramento Kings and Delta Dental Celebrate Small Businesses with Tasteful Event

Spotlight on Small Businesses at the Tip Off Tastes Celebration

On April 30, 2026, the Sacramento Kings teamed up with Delta Dental of California to shine a light on six remarkable local small businesses through their inaugural program, Tip Off Tastes. This initiative placed the spotlight on culinary entrepreneurs, bringing local restaurants and their unique flavors directly into Golden 1 Center during Kings home games through pop-up concessions.

Delta Dental, a long-standing supporter of community health and well-being, presented this program, which gave local chefs the opportunity to showcase their culinary creations to a broader audience, thus fostering connections between small business owners and the Sacramento community. This celebration not only highlighted the delicious food offered by these businesses but also emphasized their vital role in the regional economy and culture.

Brian Sherman, the Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Delta Dental, emphasized the importance of small businesses, stating, "Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and driving force behind local culture and economic strength." He added that this partnership with the Sacramento Kings allows them to celebrate those entrepreneurs while supporting the values and health of the community they serve.

The event highlighted a range of culinary talents from participating restaurants such as Creole Soul, Maria's Paella, Mecha Mucho, Séka Hills, Spoon and Fork, and Tai Pan. Each establishment was recognized with a customized Kings jersey along with financial contributions from Delta Dental to assist in their future growth. Maria Perez from Maria's Paella shared her excitement about the program, noting how the pop-up at Golden 1 Center significantly boosted her business, leading her to increase production from 3,000 to 5,000 empanadas a week.

In addition to enjoying culinary delights, attendees at the Kings home games gained insights into the stories behind each restaurant. This focus on storytelling is crucial, as the Kings and Delta Dental aim to create a lasting impact that transcends just food; it embodies cultural identity and community spirit.

The collaboration also aligns with previous initiatives like Kings Pop-Up Kitchen and Capitalize Food, reinforcing their commitment to enhancing small businesses while delivering unique experiences for fans. As Sacramento Kings President of Business Operations John Rinehart stated, "Food is deeply woven into the fabric of Sacramento's community," and the organization continuously seeks meaningful ways to uplift the local businesses that shape this community.

In conclusion, the Tip Off Tastes celebration not only showcased the vibrant culinary landscape of Sacramento but also strengthened the bond between the community and its small businesses. Programs like these underscore the shared belief that successful partnerships can foster local growth and cultural recognition. As Delta Dental of California and the Sacramento Kings continue to support local entrepreneurs, the future looks bright for small businesses in Sacramento, with a wider array of flavors waiting to be discovered by the community.

About Delta Dental

Delta Dental of California and Affiliates has served millions since 1955, providing essential oral health care coverage and developing the nation's strongest network of dental providers. Their commitment extends across multiple states, making dental health more accessible to over 27 million people. Their ongoing partnerships aim to create sustainable community impacts, encouraging collaboration among local enterprises. For additional information on their initiatives, visit www.deltadentalins.com.