The burgers were definitely missed.

That was obvious by the mood of those chowing down on them Thursday at the Coeur d'Alene Eagles club on Sherman Avenue.

The fraternal organization's long-standing tradition of barbecuing hamburgers and hot dogs and selling them on the walkway in front of the club is back in full swing following a hiatus for most of the summer.

The love of the Eagles' Thirsty Thursday cookout goes beyond the appeal of a grill, good people and a beer. The money raised through the sale of the burgers, hot dogs and brats to Eagles members and the public is an important source of revenue for the Eagles' charitable endeavors.

"It's nice to have it back, with all the money we give away. That was dwindling," said member Jim Alexander, of Coeur d'Alene. "It was sad to see that happening."

Earlier this summer, after a nearby business complained about the smoke from the grill, the Eagles moved the cookout into the alley behind the downtown building.

Burger sales took a sky-dive, as did the high spirits generated by having the grill operation out front, with the club's windows open, and happy Eagles flipping the burgers and dogs.

Michael West, the club's manager, said things are going well since they started the cookout up again two weeks ago. West was hired by the Eagles in the midst of the cookout controversy that generated several letters to The Press editor.

West said he feels good about the club's relationships with their business neighbors, and positive about the cookout.

Club members Keith Baugher and Jean Coleman credited West with bringing the barbecue back. Baugher said West went and spoke with the City Council about the situation, and talked to the neighboring business owners.

"He's so good. He's done everything right," Coleman said.