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March 20, 2025

Meet Your Neighbor: Zeynep Martello!

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on a woman-owned business that’s more than just a business — it’s a one-woman show! Meet Z, the powerhouse behind Z’s Kitchen, where every dish is handcrafted with care right here in Bozeman.

A Journey Rooted in Flavor

Z’s love for food started early, inspired by the rich culinary traditions of her Turkish heritage. At 15 years old, she moved to America with her family, carrying with her a deep appreciation for the way food brings people together. Years later, she traveled back to Turkey and was so inspired by a restaurant there that she and found herself drawn to the idea of opening her own restaurant in Montana. Z’s Kitchen started as a successful restaurant venture before evolving into a brand dedicated to bringing authentic Mediterranean flavors to more people through local markets and grocery stores.

A One-Woman Operation

Z’s Kitchen isn’t just a name — it’s a personal endeavor. Every product is made by Z herself, ensuring that her handcrafted Mediterranean dishes maintain the highest quality and authenticity. “Every product is made by me, not passed through countless hands. It’s a labor of love, and it’s personal,” she shared during our interview. From traditional hummus to flavorful dips and falafel lunch boxes, each dish reflects her passion and dedication to her craft.

A Personal Legacy

Zeynep never expected to follow in her mother’s footsteps. In the 90s, Z’s mother, Asuman, sold her handcrafted salads to the Co-op through her business, Asuman’s Cuisine. Decades later, Z carried on her legacy with Z’s Kitchen, bringing authentic Mediterranean flavors to our community. What began with her family's cherished feast traditions has grown into something more, now shared with a new generation of Co-op shoppers. Her greatest joy in running Z’s Kitchen is making people happy through her food, and she takes pride in offering high-quality, handmade, and local products with clean, simple ingredients.

A Taste of Tradition

Cooking has always been a family affair for Zeynep. One of her fondest memories is cooking with her mom, aunt, and all the women in her family. They would make a grand feast and insist everyone eat, eat, eat! The joy of preparing meals together is a core part of her cooking experience and inspires the generous, welcoming spirit she infuses into Z’s Kitchen.

Fun Facts About Zeynep:

  • Ingredients she can’t live without in her kitchen: Olive oil, Nutella, bread, and rice.
  • Her favorite activities outside work: Hiking, fishing, and camping in nature.
  • Dream for Z’s Kitchen: A Mediterranean food delivery service serving gourmet dishes to people everywhere.
  • Drean for Z: Is to be like Marie Callender



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