Member of Schmidt’s Sausage Haus dies in Upper Arlington house fire

Schmidt’s Sausage Haus has suffered a tragic loss. 

Matt Schmidt, brand ambassador at Schmidt’s and a fifth-generation family member, died in a house fire in Upper Arlington Sunday, the restaurant shared in a statement. 

“Matt was above all a devoted and loving husband to his wife and father to his three young daughters. His magnetic personality, kindness and service to all he met, both personally and professionally, made him the face of Schmidt’s,” the statement reads. “He was the best of us and lived out our values of family, hospitality and service every day of his life. We thank everyone who has reached out for their care and concern during this devastating time for the Schmidt family.”

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The fire has been preliminarily ruled accidental, according to a press release. It occurred around 4:30 a.m. in a house on Chevington Road, and 43-year-old Schmidt was pronounced dead at the scene. An adult female and three children escaped safely from the residence. 

Schmidt’s, located in German Village, is highly regarded for its authentic German cuisine and signature dishes such as the Bahama Mama hickory-smoked sausage and jumbo cream puffs. The eatery has long since been a staple tourist destination and permanent fixture of the German Village community.   

A GoFundMe has been set up for Schmidt’s wife and three daughters. 

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