"Cynthia Doeun hugs Chanthorn Yin, owner of Queen's Deli, during the closing night of the business in White Center Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019. Doeun says the came on the opening day of the deli 11 years ago.  * TEXT BLOCK: Customers and members of the Khmer community honored chef Chanthorn Yin with a cake and speeches during the closing night at Queen's Deli in White Center Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019.  Yin opened the catering business and deli-a gathering and meeting space in the Khmer community- 11 years ago this September.  ""I really enjoy cooking for people,"" says Yin, through an interpreter. ""I'll sometimes cater for events of 600 or 250 or even 100É It doesn't matter how tired I am, I always have the energy to provide food for my community and for my customers as well.""  Prenz Sa-Ngoun, a community organizer and former Buddhist monk, volunteered his time with other people to stock the deli counter, wash dishes, clean and the run the cashier. Sa-Ngoun and other community members shared social media posts to bring people into the deli during its last days. He said Queen's Deli is one of the last Khmer eateries in Washington state.   ""I don't want the richness of the Khmer food to be forgotten,"" Yin said. ""I wanted to make sure that I sold the business to someone Khmer to make sure that the Khmer food will still be standing within Washington state.""  Yin sold the deli to an out out-of-state owner who will open a restaurant called Khmer Apsara.  Queen's Deli helped Yin support her family, including her children's education. She closed the deli-  known for its beef steaks, sour soup and chicken curry-to care of her 90-year-old mother who recently moved from Cambodia.  Yin ended the last night at Queen's Deli with cooking and eating alongside customers.   ""I'm really happy,"" says Yin. * 211473"
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