More Than a Nightspot: Suite Restaurant / Lounge Gives Back

June 8, 2022 - by Sandy Vo

More Than a Nightspot:
Suite Restaurant / Lounge Gives Back

The dazzling cool-toned lights, astonishing aerial performances, and blaring music from DJs can draw assumptions that Suite Restaurant / Lounge is just for those looking for a nightlife bash. Still, owner Lisa Olson said she wants to frame her business as more than what’s known from the outside looking in. While late-night experiences are something they offer, she said the most crucial thing about Suite is the people and pets they’ve helped over the years.

“We enjoy being the popular nightspot, but I don’t think the DJ sets are the only good example of who we are,” Olson said. “We’re proud of hosting multiple charity events to help those in need.”

Olson said Yappy Hour is an excellent example of the many charity events they host. This year, Motley Zoo Animal Rescue returns to Suite’s patio, bringing adoptable furry friends to the table. The rescue center will be on-site every second Tuesday of the month starting June 14.

“Yappy Hour is near and dear to my heart. I love helping and supporting an organization like Motley Zoo because they’re doing an extraordinary thing by taking in these stray animals and housing them until they can be adopted,” Olson said.

While finding a forever home for these animals is the primary goal, adopting isn’t the only way to help. Every Tuesday starting June 7, Suite will continue their four-year partnership with Tito’s Handmade Vodka to make a sizable donation to animals in need. A portion of sales made from their cocktails will benefit Motley Zoo Animal Rescue. Olson said they were able to donate close to $20,000 last year from just the happy hour events.

“Getting people to donate is hard enough, that’s why Yappy Hour is such a great event because people can support a great cause just by ordering a drink,” Olson said.

In addition to partnering with the animal shelter, Suite also hosts an annual art and wine auction to raise money for Girls Giving Back, an organization dedicated to improving living conditions in homeless shelters. Hundreds of people gather to eat, drink and bid on art each year. Olson said the community does a great job showing up, raising anywhere between $20,000 to $40,000 in a day.

“If anything, I want people to know that we’re more than just a nightlife venue. We have a great happy hour, delicious food and we’re a perfect place to host private dinners,” Olson said. “We can be a lot of things all at once, and we hope whatever you’re looking for, we can provide it.”

While their art auction is on hold, there's still fun to be had at Suite. Stop by every Wednesday for 1/2 priced bottle of wines and attend their first Yappy Hour of the year with Motley Zoo Animal Rescue on June 14!

This blog is part of the Heart of Bellevue: our campaign to showcase local businesses while connecting you with stories of activity, creativity and recovery. Find out about our campaign and explore more of what’s happening around Downtown.