‘Our community is devastated’: Everson eatery struggles to reopen after flooding
As recent flooding across Whatcom County has damaged many homes, businesses and buildings, one local restaurant is shut down due to damage.
Herb Niemann Steak & Schnitzel House, a family owned restaurant in Everson that has been in business for more than 25 years, closed Dec. 10 as a precaution ahead of looming flooding. The restaurant was flooded the next day, according to a social media post.
“Our community is devastated,” the Dec. 11 Facebook post states. “Once again we all have to help one another recover from catastrophic flooding. This time the restaurant flooded also. As soon as it’s safe we will assess damage and plan our next steps. Our prayers are with each and every person affected, just as rain can become flood, individuals together can accomplish amazing feats. We will get through it. Together.”
It may be three to four weeks before the restaurant reopens, according to another Facebook post on Saturday, Dec. 13.
“We have gotten a lot done with a lot of people volunteering to help yesterday. Everything not salvageable was hauled off. Tons and tons of cleaning and more today. Flood water was everywhere so Chefs are busy reorganizing and throwing away ruined food,” the post states.
The restaurant’s flooring had to be demolished, and bathrooms need to be repaired, according to another Dec. 13 Facebook post.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been created to raise $60,000 for restaurant repairs, equipment replacements, cleanup and reopening costs. As of Dec. 16, $13,905 had been donated.
“The recent flooding from the Nooksack River has devastated Everson once again. Water surged over Main Street, inundating businesses and homes, including Herb Niemann’s. The restaurant has suffered severe damage and is currently inoperable, leaving Matt, Angel, their dedicated staff, and our entire community without this vital hub,” the GoFundMe page states.
“It’s been a long week for so many. So much devastation, tears. Stress, exhaustion, and trauma,” the Herb Niemann team wrote on a Dec. 16 Facebook post.
Other Whatcom County restaurants like ACME Diner and The Bourbon Restaurant & Lounge also suffered from flood damage, but have both reopened.
“There has been so much love. Go Fund Me for victims, including ourselves, from people who will give all they can right at Christmastime is overwhelming in its generosity. People we don’t even know offering meals. Pizza, cookies. People dropping their own agenda to help remove debris, clean, move things. It’s really humbling. It’s hard to accept so much when you can’t reciprocate right away,” Herb Niemann’s Dec. 16 post states.
“We will keep at it. We will all get through this. It will only tighten the cloth of our community. All our love and prayers and so much thanks to more people I can list.”
No reopening date has been announced for Herb Niemann’s Steakhouse. The Bellingham Herald reached out to the restaurant but did not receive a response as of Dec. 16.
Herb Niemann’s Steakhouse is located at 203 W Main St. in Everson.
This story was originally published December 16, 2025 at 1:44 PM.
