Red Rooster Emporium A Must-See

The Red Rooster Emporium in Yerington, Nev. 

by Glenn Franco Simmons

Red Rooster Emporium is a refuge from the daily grind, a time-lapse in real time.

Located in Yerington, it is much more: a vintage antique shop that has expanded its offerings that appeal to diverse interests in antiques, collectibles and more.

At 37 North Main St. in Yerington, you will be greeted by the friendly owner and welcoming owner, Jane Montalbano. On my last visit, her daughter, Chrissy Montalbano, was there.

The business located within a historic 115-year-old building that originally served as the Farmers Bank of Yerington.

It features a blue two-story façade, with “Red Rooster Emporium” in red letters, white trim and a hand-painted rooster sign above the entrance. Its two large display windows are updated seasonally.

“The business, formerly known as Red Rooster Antiques, rebranded to Red Rooster Emporium in 2022 to reflect its expanded inventory of antiques, vintage jewelry, Western collectibles, local artisan pieces, and gift items,” according to Grok AI.

It's open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Ms. Montalbano leased the building in 2015 and opened the store on or around Black Friday 2016 after an 18-month restoration,” Grok noted.

“The project included repairing pressed-tin ceilings, refinishing original fir floors, and converting the old bank vault secured by the original 1907 Mosler safe door,” according to Grok. “Ms. Montalbano, listed as the sole proprietor in 2020 records, co-owns the business with her daughter as of 2024.”

The emporium draws locals from Yerington's population of 3,100, as well as visitors from Carson City, Fallon, the Bay Area and from many other places ~ some far away.

Its Red Rooster Emporium Facebook page could use more followers, so please visit it and like it!

The collection emphasizes Nevada history, including gold-mining tools from the Pine Grove and Ludwig districts, 1930s’ casino tokens from defunct Yerington establishments, and Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall ashtrays from before the 1960s. (Please note, some items may or may not be there.)

“On Nov. 9, 2025, the store held its ninth annual ‘Yerington Christmas Story’ open house, covered in the Nov. 13 Pizen Switch Times,” according to Grok. “The event featured a 1940s’–1950s’ holiday setup with four operational Lionel train sets around a 20-foot tree, more than 200 Shiny Brite ornaments, and mannequins in period attire sourced from the Lyon County Museum. Attendance exceeded 400 people more than four hours.”

The Pizen Switch Times also has another excellent article, which I recommend reading. If you are interested in Yerington, Mason Valley and surrounding areas, be sure to visit the nonprofit newspaper (more on that, I hope, in a future story.) It features excellently written journalistic articles.

Writer Richard Massey included in his story some of the building’s history.

“First the Bank, then Crawford’s jewelry store and beauty salon, a delicious deli, and the Bank Club Bar, before becoming a vacant store front housing theater props for the local dance studio,” he wrote in his article that has some really good photos. I recommend reading it.

Inside are roosters, many different signs for kitchens, homes, barns, etc. There are countless knick-knacks.

Red Rooster also has World War II-type era army men that are offered for free. I have one from my first of several trips there from Carson City.

The front windows showcase holiday items. The store extends hours to 6 p.m. on the two Saturdays before Christmas.

On weekdays, Jane or Chrissy typically handles transactions at the counter, using a 1930s’ National cash register.

Reviews describe the proprietors as kind and patient, with one 2019 Yelp account noting a female staff member assisting a child with vintage marbles selections.

I can attest to their friendliness.

A 2025 review highlights the owner's helpfulness in gift selection.

Coffee is available, and the 1907 bank clock on the wall maintains accurate time. Plus, sometimes the shop smells heavenly with an onion fragrance that permeates everything, thanks to some yummy fresh rolls.

“The emporium has become a local landmark, referenced in community milestones like the 2020 reopening after COVID-19 closures, when Montalbano wheeled out a 5-foot-tall metal rooster statue to signal operations resuming,” Grok noted.

A rooster remains outside. Not for sale.

The tile floor, laid in May 1915 with assistance from boxer Jack Dempsey, is the last surviving example from that era in Yerington, according to Mr. Massey’s article.

(Photos inside taken with permission. Photos © Glenn Franco Simmons. CC 4.0.)