One of the Tri-Cities’ most iconic restaurants and performance venues is asking for the community’s financial support as it faces a major reconstruction project in order to stay in business. 

The Emerald of Siam in Richland said via its social media that it has learned it must replace the hood system in its kitchen in order to meet current city and fire code requirements. That will require more than a new hood, but also relocation of gas lines, electrical systems and fire suppression infrastructure due to the age of the existing hood. The cost of that work, as well as the impact from a temporary shutdown to complete it, is estimated at $100,000. 

“What initially sounded like a simple equipment replacement has turned into a much larger project,” according to a GoFundMe page set up by the restaurant’s owners. 

The GoFundMe campaign set up by the restaurant to raise funds for the project had collected roughly $20,000 by midday May 19. 

While the GoFundMe to support the reconstruction work is set at $100,000, the owners have said that reaching at least half of that goal will likely determine whether the restaurant can start the construction work and remain open long term. 

Ravadi Quinn opened the Emerald, located on the Jadwin Avenue side of the Uptown Shopping Center near the Uptown Theatre, in 1983 when there were no other restaurants in the Tri-Cities dedicated to Thai cuisine. The restaurant has since become a haven for musicians, performers and various communities within the Tri-Cities, while also supporting numerous nonprofit and community organizations over the past 40 years. 

“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,” the restaurant wrote. 

Go to: https://gofund.me/c3722fba8