After ‘touching lives’ for 27 years, this Eagle restaurant closed. Here’s what’s next.

For nearly three decades, Doug’s Burger Den served breakfast and lunch to Eagle residents.

The downtown restaurant opened at 231 E. State St. in 1993. But in 2015, founder Doug Corta died of cancer at 47, leaving the business in the hands of his wife, Jacki, and their three daughters — all of whom kept working there.

Flipping patties for friendly faces helped the family grieve, Jacki Corta says.

But last month, 27 years to the day from when it opened, she closed Doug’s Burger Den.

Corta has started a new brand as a life coach and motivational speaker: Strength > Struggle.

And she is selling the .32-acre lot and 1,670-square-foot building across from Heritage Park.

“It’s bittersweet,” Corta said in a phone interview, “but definitely more sweet than bitter. Honestly, the restaurant served its purpose for our family and touched so many lives, and the girls and I are ready for a new mission and a new journey.”

Corta has reached an agreement with a buyer. Assuming the sale is finalized, she says, Eagle will have a new dining destination.

“They will keep it a restaurant,” Corta said. “And I can tell you if this goes through, it’s going to be beautiful for downtown Eagle. And not only will it be beautiful for downtown Eagle, but they will keep Doug’s legacy alive. They will build off his foundation.”

Corta, meanwhile, is embracing the future.

“I’m on a mission to actually touch the world,” she said, “and let everybody know that no matter what you’re going through in life, your strength is greater than your struggle.”

This story was originally published February 25, 2020 at 10:21 AM.