Schmidty's Burgers closes Coeur d'Alene location

Owners cite challenging economy and competition from chain restaurants as reasons for closure

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After losing their restaurant to a fire in 2020, Denise and Nate Schmidt reopened Schmidty's Burgers in Coeur d'Alene less than a year later. However, the owners say the challenging economy and an influx of chain restaurants in the area have become obstacles they couldn't overcome, leading them to close the burger joint for good on Saturday.

Why it matters

The closure of Schmidty's Burgers highlights the difficulties small, independent restaurants face in competing with larger chain establishments, especially during economic downturns. It also underscores the impact that natural disasters like fires can have on local businesses.

The details

Despite their efforts to transform the space and maintain high-quality ingredients, the Schmidts say food prices kept rising, and they weren't willing to compromise their standards to save money. The couple, who were the restaurant's primary employees for most of its run since opening in 2014, also faced increased competition from chain restaurants opening franchises in the Coeur d'Alene area.

  • Schmidty's Burgers originally opened in 2014.
  • The restaurant was forced to close after a fire in 2020.
  • Schmidty's Burgers reopened less than a year later, in 2021.
  • The restaurant will close for good on Saturday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Denise Schmidt

Co-owner of Schmidty's Burgers, along with her husband Nate.

Nate Schmidt

Co-owner of Schmidty's Burgers, along with his wife Denise.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A lot of people we're close with now started as customers. That part of it has been the best, and that's what I'll miss the most.”

— Denise Schmidt, Co-owner, Schmidty's Burgers (krem.com)

“Food prices just kept going up, and we always use the best quality everything. We weren't willing to compromise our quality to save a buck or two, and that just took its toll.”

— Denise Schmidt, Co-owner, Schmidty's Burgers (krem.com)

“It's hard to compete with those.”

— Denise Schmidt, Co-owner, Schmidty's Burgers (krem.com)

What’s next

The Schmidts have not announced any plans for the future, but their focus is on closing Schmidty's Burgers on Saturday, February 25, 2026.

The takeaway

The closure of Schmidty's Burgers in Coeur d'Alene highlights the challenges small, independent restaurants face in maintaining quality and competing with larger chain establishments, especially during economic downturns. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses and the impact that external factors can have on the survival of community-driven establishments.