YAKIMA, Wash. — The city of Yakima is filled with pride as hometown hero Cooper Kupp makes waves in the Super Bowl. Kupp, a Yakima native, played a standout role for the Seahawks in their recent victory, leading the team in receptions and receiving yards.
Local businesses in Yakima are buzzing with excitement and have put up signs congratulating the Seahawks. Seahawks flags and banners are displayed prominently throughout downtown Yakima.
Business owners shared their enthusiasm about Kupp’s success.
“We’re diehard Seahawks fans. And then when we got Cooper Kupp, it was like the writing was on the wall. It’s like we got to do this, you know?” said Majors‘ co-owner Corey Lockbeam.
Kupp’s achievement marks his second Super Bowl win and his first with his hometown team.
“It was really exciting to see him do well this year. And it’s amazing to have someone from Yakima, you know, make it big,” Lockbeam said.
Lockbeam who grew up in Yakima working at Majors, a local staple, reminisced about an interview Kupp did with NonStopLocal leading up to Super Bowl LX where he said Majors was one of his favorite spots to eat growing up.
“It was awesome. I mean, all of our phones are just getting blown up with, you know, text and just links to the interview. And so it’s super exciting to just hear Cooper, you know, give a shout out to Majors,” Lockbeam said.
Natalie Fleury, co-owner of Bill’s Place, a local bar since 1933, shared her newfound love for football after moving to Yakima in the 90s.
“It’s always very exciting, we have a cheer: [One group yells] ‘SEA’ [and another group yells] ‘HAWKS.’ We have a very supportive group here that is backing Cooper Kupp, hometown boy from Yakima; and everybody loves him and rooting for him,” she said.
Lockbeam has a special message for Kupp for his next visit.
“If Cooper Kupp comes in, lunch is on me, it’s on us. We’re glad you like our food, and if you got any suggestions, I mean, we would love to do a ‘Cooper Kupp Special.’ We’re open to anything,” Lockbeam offered.
The community’s support for Kupp is a testament to Yakima’s pride in their local star.
