#1 Jacqui Wright
Mezzo Thai
Jacqui Wright had been teaching cooking classes for two years before she decided to open Mezzo Thai in 2003 on North Young Street in Kennewick (off Canal Drive). She felt the Tri-Cities was missing a restaurant that offered truly traditional Thai cuisine, so she opened her fine dining restaurant with a full bar to introduce customers to authentic flavors. In 2009, Mezzo Thai Tapas opened on Lee Boulevard with the philosophy “Food is Art,” offering small plates, beer, and wine in a more casual, creative setting. By 2013, Mezzo Thai Fusion launched on Gage Boulevard with the theme “Fresher, Tastier, Healthier.”
Following the challenges of COVID, the business was reimagined as Soi 705, now located at The Parkway in Richland. This new concept blends Asian street food with Thai cultural influences and features craft cocktails. Joanne Wright, the youngest daughter of founder Jacqui, led the transformation.
In 2023, Jacquie’s son, Ten, joined the family business, launching Thai Street BBQ, a food truck at the Summer’s Hub in Kennewick. Baked and Fried, a fish and chips truck, followed in 2024.
Mezzo Thai has offered catering for more than 20 years. In 2007, they were the first vendor to offer hot food at the Richland Farmer’s Market. Mezzo Thai loves supporting area farmers’ markets and growers, using organic, locally grown ingredients as often as possible. They also partner with local breweries and wineries.
Live music has always been part of the Mezzo Thai experience, thanks to talented local musicians who help create a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Soi 705 offers live music on Thursday and Sunday evenings
Owner Chaweewan Wright (Jacqui) was born in Thailand and moved to the Tri-Cities in 1998. She began cooking at a very young age, learning from her mother, grandmother, and aunties.
At college in Bangkok, she studied home economics, giving her a deeper understanding of the roots of Thai cuisine. Cooking has always been her passion, and she believes, “You are what you eat.” That’s why she strives to share what she knows and give only the best, truly, from the heart.
Mezzo Thai
Jacqui Wright had been teaching cooking classes for two years before she decided to open Mezzo Thai in 2003 on North Young Street in Kennewick (off Canal Drive). She felt the Tri-Cities was missing a restaurant that offered truly traditional Thai cuisine, so she opened her fine dining restaurant with a full bar to introduce customers to authentic flavors. In 2009, Mezzo Thai Tapas opened on Lee Boulevard with the philosophy “Food is Art,” offering small plates, beer, and wine in a more casual, creative setting. By 2013, Mezzo Thai Fusion launched on Gage Boulevard with the theme “Fresher, Tastier, Healthier.”
Following the challenges of COVID, the business was reimagined as Soi 705, now located at The Parkway in Richland. This new concept blends Asian street food with Thai cultural influences and features craft cocktails. Joanne Wright, the youngest daughter of founder Jacqui, led the transformation.
In 2023, Jacquie’s son, Ten, joined the family business, launching Thai Street BBQ, a food truck at the Summer’s Hub in Kennewick. Baked and Fried, a fish and chips truck, followed in 2024.
Mezzo Thai has offered catering for more than 20 years. In 2007, they were the first vendor to offer hot food at the Richland Farmer’s Market. Mezzo Thai loves supporting area farmers’ markets and growers, using organic, locally grown ingredients as often as possible. They also partner with local breweries and wineries.
Live music has always been part of the Mezzo Thai experience, thanks to talented local musicians who help create a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Soi 705 offers live music on Thursday and Sunday evenings
Owner Chaweewan Wright (Jacqui) was born in Thailand and moved to the Tri-Cities in 1998. She began cooking at a very young age, learning from her mother, grandmother, and aunties.
At college in Bangkok, she studied home economics, giving her a deeper understanding of the roots of Thai cuisine. Cooking has always been her passion, and she believes, “You are what you eat.” That’s why she strives to share what she knows and give only the best, truly, from the heart.
