COEUR d'ALENE - At GW Hunter's in Post Falls, business is good and getting better.

Comparing last year's numbers to this year's, co-owner Dave Swanson said patronage has increased by roughly 5 percent at the popular restaurant on Spokane Street.

"I know things are starting to look up," Swanson said. "I think as a whole, the industry in this area has probably picked up a little bit. I think a lot of it has to do with politics. People are getting more secure in their surroundings. They're willing to go out more."

If the National Restaurant Association is correct, the future looks bright for Idaho restaurateurs.

The association predicted a 4 percent increase in statewide restaurant sales in 2011, according to the Associated Press. The NRA also projected Idaho's 2011 restaurant revenue at $1.8 billion, a raise from the approximate $1.7 billion reported last year.

Chris Schultz, general manager at Moon Time restaurant in Coeur d'Alene, said it seems like patronage has been rising slightly over the past months. More customers dined at Moon Time in January 2011 than in January 2010, he added.

"I think it's going to be a slow increase (this year), but definitely an increase," Schultz said. "It just seems that the economy is kind of on the rebound. That's my take on it."

Long-standing restaurants like Moon Time weathered the economic recession, particularly those with loyal clientele. However, newly-established eateries have struggled to survive, Schultz noticed.

Right on Sherman Avenue, where Moon Time is located, Schultz has seen restaurants come and go.

"Just getting a foothold, if you're a new restaurant, is always going to be tough," he said. "Once you're established, it's definitely a little bit easier. It's got to be tough opening a restaurant in this economy, just because people don't have the spending cash that they once had."

Eateries might be closing down, but Pam Eaton, Idaho Lodging and Restaurant Association director, said there have been more openings than closings in Idaho over the past three years, the Associated Press noted.

"Things are going real well, I think," said John Little, food and beverage director at The Coeur d'Alene Resort, who oversees five restaurants in the Lake City: Beverly's, Dockside, Bonsai Bistro, Tito Macaroni's and the Beachouse.

"Of course, we're heading into a huge weekend (Valentine's Day), so that's a plus," he added.

Numbers were up in 2010, Little said. In future months, he said, consumers will continue to eat out, but they'll probably be careful with their hard-earned dollars.

"I think people will be frugal with their money," Little said. "They'll be spending it, but they'll be spending it more wisely."

Along those lines, many diners chose lower-priced eateries throughout the recession, restaurateurs said - places with good food at a reasonable price.

"I don't believe they suffered as much as the higher-end restaurants," Little said.