It is with a heavy and humbled heart that we reach out to you today. For more than 50 years, Tess Thomas has been a pillar of love, service, and strength in our community first as a singer, then a teacher, a social worker, a foster parent, and finally as the heart behind Emma’s BBQ, a place built on family, faith, and good food.

Emma’s BBQ has been more than a restaurant. It has been a home for many,

a place where neighbors gather, families celebrate, and newcomers are welcomed like old friends. We survived the pandemic through grace, grit, service and the support of people like you.

But today, we are facing our toughest challenge yet.

Like many small businesses, the current global economy has hit us hard. A severe and unexpected drop in revenue has placed us in a fragile position. Despite our best efforts, traditional funding and financing have not come through. Without urgent support, we may be forced to close our doors.

We are turning to our community, the very people who helped build Emma’s BBQ, to help us keep this legacy alive.

Funds raised will go directly toward:

    •    Stabilizing daily operations

    •    Covering rising operational costs

    •    Paying down critical outstanding debts

This will ensure Emma’s BBQ can continue to serve the community we love.

Every donation, no matter the amount, brings us one step closer to saving this beloved space. If you can’t donate, sharing this page means the world to us.

From our family to yours, thank you for your kindness, your generosity, and your prayers as we navigate this incredibly difficult time. We are believing in miracles, and we are believing in our community.

Thank you for helping us keep the doors open.