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Owner of famous 'Best Sandwich Shack' food truck in Coeur d'Alene dies

Keenan Schlinker, who passed away on Saturday, founded Best Sandwich Shack with his wife and son in 2010. Schlinker was 81-years-old.

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — Diners in Coeur d’Alene are remembering a late owner of one of the city’s first food trucks.

Keenan Schlinker, who passed away on Saturday, founded Best Sandwich Shack with his wife and son in 2010. Schlinker was 81-years-old.

Since founding the Philly Cheesesteak-inspired sandwich shop, which is located on Best Avenue near a food truck court, the restaurant has become a popular local spot. Menu items from Best Sandwich Shack have since been featured in online posts by Zagat and USA Today.

Schlinker’s son Kip, who now owns the restaurant, recalled how the food truck initially started out as a passion project for his late father. 

"I appeased him and said 'We're going to fail in six months,'” Kip said, initially thinking the idea wouldn’t take off. “Ten years later, this is this,” Kip remarked inside the sandwich shack which often has wait times for its most popular items, 

Kip said that Schlinker had been battling dementia in recent years. His condition became worse in recent months, forcing Best Sandwich Shack to shut down for two days a week so that Schlinker’s wife Tara could care for him at home, Kip said.

Schlinker had spent some time cooking in the food truck, but took on different roles at the business recently.  

"While we cooked, he would go outside and talk to people," said Kip, noting that his father was well known by regulars.

 “A huge Loss. Your dad was a very kind man to us and I have always appreciated the long talks in the lot and all the stories told,” commented Tony Sheilds on a Facebook post on the Best Sandwich Shack page announcing Schlinker’s passing. 

“Your dad brought a delicious smile to all of us in CDA. We are thankful,” wrote James Johnson.

Prior to working in the food truck, which Kip says was one of Coeur d’Alene’s first, Schlinker bought and sold cars for a living.

"I worked with my dad everyday for the last 10 years. I don't regret a second of it. That was huge,” said Kip.

While Schlinker’s condition prompted schedule changes, Kip said that the restaurant will soon start operating six days a week. The shack’s lone off day will be devoted to family time, Kip said.

The restaurant was closed on Monday as Kip attended to various family matters. Some hungry customers drove up to the store, only to learn of Schlinker’s passing.

Kip added that his father would want the sandwich shack to continue business as usual, adding to its rise in popularity over the years. 

"It's to the point now when people ask us what we're doing, and if we need advertising, we say 'no,' because we can't take the business. It's just too much,” said a smiling Kip of the shack’s popularity and his dad’s legacy.

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