Local

Everson restaurant reopens after flooding damage halts business for a month

By Alyse Smith

Updated January 17, 2026 1:02 PM

Herb Niemann’s Steak and Schnitzel House in downtown Everson has attracted eaters from Seattle and beyond ever since it opened in 1993. Paul Conrad For The Bellingham Herald

2025 Whatcom County flooding

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Herb Niemann Steak & Schnitzel House, a family-owned restaurant in business for more than 25 years in Everson, is now open after a temporary closure due to severe flooding in December.

Owners closed the restaurant Dec. 10 as a precaution, and it flooded the next day, according to a social media post from the restaurant.

“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.”

An aerial photo shows widespread flooding impacting homes and businesses after the Nooksack River overtopped its banks on Dec. 11, 2025, in Everson. Whatcom County Courtesy to The Bellingham Herald

The flood damaged the restaurant’s flooring and bathrooms, according to another Dec. 13 Facebook post. A GoFundMe fundraiser raised $18,850 for restaurant repairs, equipment replacements, cleanup and reopening costs as of Jan. 16.

The restaurant had a partial reopening Tuesday, Jan. 13, serving only from its bar and sidebar. The next day staff fully reopened the full restaurant and full service, according to a Jan. 14 Facebook post.

“Thank you for supporting all and every small business in our North County. This state is not easy to do business in — with you — we have each other’s back. And all of us as consumers can be mindful of supporting our neighbors, which makes us uniquely self supportive! All our love and thankfulness,” the post states.

Herb Nieman’s is open from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at 203 W Main St. in Everson.

This story was originally published January 17, 2026 at 12:53 PM.

Alyse Smith

The Bellingham Herald

Alyse Smith is a reporter at The Bellingham Herald covering retail, restaurants, jobs and business. If you like stories like this, please consider supporting our work with a subscription to our newspaper.