COEUR d’ALENE — Nathan and Denise Schmidt have been serving up burgers and smiles for a decade in Coeur d’Alene, and are celebrating the restaurant’s 10th anniversary this year.

The owners of Schmidty’s Burgers at 1524 Sherman said they love what they do and have no plans on slowing down.

After losing their downtown location in a 2020 fire, the couple bounced back and re-established the restaurant at the new Sherman location.

“It was actually a blessing in disguise,” Denise said. “We learned a lot through that hardship, but never stopped following our dreams.”

The owners attribute their success to a hard-working team that continues to exceed expectations.

Hailey Reuter, who has been with Schmidty’s for four years, said the experience has been great.

“The bananas foster is an amazing dessert,” Reuter said. 

Aside from serving up tasty meals, Denise and Nathan said getting more involved with community service efforts. They want to have days for first responders and Companions Animal Center.

“We already offer a deal for kids to eat free on Wednesdays,” Denise said. 

Nathan said keeping the restaurant “local” is important as he was born and raised in Coeur d’Alene. Denise has lived here for 25 years.

The owners source local ingredients to support farms and producers, and the meat and vegetables are always fresh, Nathan said.

“We don’t take any shortcuts,” he said. "And we simply love what we do.”

    Nathan Schmidt fries up beef and bacon before building a burger for a hungry guest.
  

    The crispy chicken sandwiches are a popular menu item for guests that may not want a burger.
  

    Employee Hailey Reuter said the bananas foster is one of the most popular dessert options at Schmidty's.