At Cone & Steiner, Dani Cone puts a modern twist on her great-grandfather’s general store from 1915. Her neighborhood stores are one stop shops for local and specialty goods, as well as spaces for people to gather and connect whether over coffee, a made-to-order sandwich, or happy hour.

Story
On first encounter with Dani Cone, you instantly want to be her friend. And here’s the thing: she wants to be your friend too. Exuding compassion, determination, and a witty sense of humor, Dani Cone clearly cares about the community she welcomes into her re-imagined convenience store, Cone & Steiner.
The original Cone & Steiner was opened in 1915 by her great-grandfather in Seattle’s Sodo district. “He came here … young. Twenty or less, by himself,” she said. “He didn’t speak English. He only spoke Yiddish.” Dani imagines how hard it must have been for her great-grandfather to feel a sense of belonging in a completely foreign community, and wants to welcome everyone who steps through the door. “We want to feel connected to something,” said Dani. “It’s about creating that place.”
Dani enjoys building community on “all sides of the counter,” bringing together customers, staff, and producers of the local products she sells. She loves the moments when customers delight in finding a new product or reconnecting with an old memory. “It goes so much beyond product and service,“ said Dani. Her goal is for people to walk into a Cone & Steiner and see a little bit of themselves and a little bit of the community reflected on the surrounding shelves.
Fun Fact
Dani loves candy. Walking into Cone & Steiner, customers can delight in the variety of colorful candies. Hint: Charming customers have been rewarded with a free sample (or two).
Learn More
Celebrate and “Ellevate” LGBTQ-Owned Small Businesses
Business Spotlight: Cone & Steiner

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