Fans flock to save Richland’s beloved Emerald of Siam from possible closure
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Emerald of Siam launched a GoFundMe to raise $100,000 for a new vent hood.
- The restaurant raised more than $21,000 within 24 hours while remaining open.
- Without funding, replacement could force closure and imperil 29 employees' jobs.
Brenton Nundahl is feeling very, very grateful to the Tri-Citians flocking to support Richland’s beloved Emerald of Siam.
The long-time business’ general manager said he and the Emerald team are humbled by a tide of donations as the Thai restaurant, lounge and event venue faces an unexpected expense that could force it out of business.
Emerald of Siam turned to GoFundMe this week to cover the unexpected $100,000 cost to replace its antiquated vent hood in the kitchen.
Within 24 hours, it had raised more than $21,000 toward its goal, as befits its iconic status in the Uptown Shopping Center on George Washington Way. It is known for its live music, Thai food, drag shows and embrace of diversity in all its forms.
Nundahl said the Emerald of Siam team is optimistic it will meet its goal. The restaurant remains open while it raises money.
Money is critical
The money is critical.
Without it, Emerald of Siam could be forced to close, Nundahl said. It would consider moving as a last resort, if a suitable location could be found.
“It is very much do or die,” he told the Tri-City Herald on Tuesday.
Emerald of Siam has operated at 1314 Jadwin Ave. in the Uptown since its founding 43 years ago. It leases its space, which seats about 75, from JCLTG LLC, owned by James Go.
It already faced one setback this year. It closed briefly in January when Richland city officials required updates to the electrical system.
That cost two weeks of revenue, which was financially damaging, he said.
Vent hood’s gotta go
The latest bad news arrived when a recent inspection concluded the vent hood over its stove was out of code and needed to be replaced.
The city has not given it a deadline to make the change.
Nundahl said the hood situation is no surprise. It is near the end of its useful life. But it turns out it’s not a simple equipment swap.
Due to the age of the building, new equipment can’t be dropped in place of the old. It has to be moved, which means the kitchen has to be reconfigured.
The expected cost, including closing to customers while work is performed, is $100,000.
Nundahl said asking for donations was the only real option to save a business and preserve the jobs of its 29 employees.
Its landlord helped with expenses in January. It isn’t able to help this time.
And since Emerald of Siam rents rather than owns, it can’t feasibly take out a bank loan without swamping the small, family-owned business in debt.
The project is planned and ready to go. Jacob & Rhodes Heating and Air Conditioning is on deck to carry out the work. It just needs to be funded.
Nundahl said if the campaign is successful, Emerald of Siam will close for about two weeks this fall.
Devoted fans
Emerald of Siam was founded in 1983 by Ravadi Quinn and is owned by her daughter Dara.
It enjoys a devoted following for its food and its support of the arts and a long list of community organizations.
That was in evidence in 2023, when the mayor of Richland criticized Emerald of Siam’s all ages Easter Day drag performance.
The publicity lead to harassment, vandalism and even death threats, they said.
In response, 150 supporters marched to city hall to defend the business and request an apology.
Three years later, the business was mostly thriving until the recent setbacks.
At lunchtime Tuesday, customers poured through the doors to collect takeout orders. Its calendar is packed with live music performances through the end of May, including a drag night on May 30.
It is the host bar for Richland’s Live at Five concert series and for the Clover Island summer concert series in Kennewick.
“This place means something,” Nundahl said.
This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 4:02 PM.