Select Gourmet Foods Inc.

At Select Gourmet Foods, they promise to deliver the highest quality products at wholesale prices.  As a local business with over 20 years of experience, they are committed to conducting their trade in an ethical manner that also helps create a more just and sustainable world. Mohamed Souaiaia is the owner of Select Gourmet Foods Inc. A Tunisian born in Algeria, Souaiaia grew up a refugee in an area where the border between Algeria and Tunisia was in flux and dispute.

His parents, however, were determined to give little Mohamed further opportunities. Through his own ability, and with the kindness of others, Mohamed was able to pursue an education, and eventually came to the United States sponsored by a Peace Corp volunteer. Flashing forward a number of years, and after studying and teaching political science at the University of Washington and other schools, Souaiaia veered away from academics and bought a small fruit stand, perhaps with memories of those childhood fresh fruits in the back of his mind. In 1993, he again moved off in a somewhat different direction, buying an existing meat-distribution business and moving it to Kenmore in 1997.

Much of his trade is in organic foods, and he believes strongly in promoting food raised in a way that is gentler on the environment. "It's really a continuation of my childhood," he says, where he learned the importance of being connected to the land that gives us life and the society that sustains us."

This commitment to social responsibility continues to shape the way Souaiaia operates his business. That's why Select Gourmet Foods is a proud sponsor of many local schools and charities.