For nearly 43 years, The Emerald of Siam has been part of the heart of the Tri-Cities community.

Founded in 1983 by Ravadi Quinn, The Emerald was the very first Thai restaurant in the Tri-Cities. Ravadi opened this restaurant to share Thai culture and cuisine with the area, and what began as a small family business, grew into something far larger than a restaurant alone. The Emerald is an open-hearted gathering place where generations of families, artists, musicians, and community members have shared meals, celebrated milestones, and built lasting connections.

Today, The Emerald remains a multi-generational family business rooted deeply in the community it has served for decades.

We have been a full-time music venue for over 12 years now; in 2011 The Emerald became a home for local music, emerging artists, and we have been privileged to host touring artists from as far as Chicago, New York, Jamaica, Italy and beyond. We have been grateful to provide a platform where local young musicians can gain experience performing live, build confidence, connect with audiences, and develop opportunities that support future careers in music and the arts. Supporting local artists and creating spaces for community connection has become one of the most meaningful parts of who we are.

Through fundraisers, benefit events, and community partnerships, we’ve always tried to show up for others whenever we could. Today, we are finding ourselves in the difficult position of needing to ask our community for help.

Over the years, The Emerald has proudly helped support organizations, schools, artists, nonprofits, and community causes throughout the Tri-Cities and beyond, including:

Richland High School • Chiawana High School Senior Class • Delta High School Senior Class • Chief Joe Middle School • Southridge High School Choir • Hanford High School Music • Academy of Children’s Theatre (ACT) • Tri-Cities Music Teachers Association • Mid-Columbia Arts Foundation • Tri-Cities Pride • Special Olympics • Habitat for Humanity • Boys & Girls Club • Tri-Cities Chaplaincy • Grace Clinic • Humane Society • Mikey’s Chance • Kitten Rescue • Veterans Associations • Punx in the Woods • Flood relief efforts • And many more over the years.

Recently, we were informed that our kitchen hood system must be fully replaced in order to meet current city and fire code requirements. Unfortunately, due to the age and condition of the existing system, repairs are no longer an option.

What initially sounded like a simple equipment replacement has turned into a much larger project. Because building codes have changed significantly over the years, the new hood system cannot legally be installed in its current location. This means the project now involves major construction work, including relocating gas lines, electrical systems, and fire suppression infrastructure in addition to the installation itself.

The estimated cost of the project, combined with the financial impact of being forced to temporarily shut down during construction — is approximately $100,000.

Like many independent restaurants and music venues, we already operate on extremely thin margins. Earlier this year, we were also forced to shut down for two weeks during a city-mandated electrical upgrade project, resulting in significant financial losses that we are still recovering from.

Our goal is not to relocate or walk away. Our goal is to stay here, serving this community, supporting local music, employing our staff, and continuing to be a place where people gather for years to come.

To be fully transparent, reaching at least half of our fundraising goal will likely determine whether The Emerald can move forward through this project and remain open long-term.

Over the years, The Emerald has been honored to support local artists, nonprofits, fundraisers, and community causes throughout the Tri-Cities. A few members of our community shared these words with us:

“Emerald of Siam is an ardent supporter of local cancer patients in our community. They have been there for others in their time of need, and we are confident the Tri-Cities will return that same kindness and generosity.”

— Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation

“The Emerald of Siam sets the standard for what real community support looks like in Richland. They don’t just say they care—they show up again and again with warmth, generosity, and a genuine welcome for everyone.”

— Patti Jones, Chairperson, PFLAG Benton Franklin Counties

“For years The Emerald has been a staple of the Richland Uptown, providing amazing culture through delicious food and top-notch live music. They have always supported the community through fundraisers and various events, including when they held a fundraiser for us that helped us get our doors open when all roads seemed blocked. Without The Emerald, Ray’s would not be here.”

— Andrew McVay, owner of Ray's Golden Lion