Hecky’s Barbecue

Hecky’s Barbecue opened on October 13, 1983 on the northwest corner of Emerson Street and Green Bay Road where it is still located today. Hecky opened the restaurant with only $100 in the cash register.

Hecky’s quickly became famous for its barbecued foods, including ribs, rib tips, and chicken, as well as for the barbecue sauce. “It’s the Sauce” is the restaurant motto. The restaurant recipes come from his New Orleans ‘Creole’ grandmother, who passed them down to his mother and then to him.

From its inception, Hecky’s Barbecue has always been more than a carry-out barbecue restaurant. Hecky’s Barbecue is an Evanston institution due to the business acumen and philanthropic endeavors of its founders, Hecky Powell and his wife, Cheryl. Coming from social service backgrounds, the couple believe in giving back to the community as a part of the business plan. Hecky’s Barbecue has sponsored numerous community groups and organizations throughout its history. Additionally, Hecky’s hires local young people and provides them with the necessary skills and training to pursue higher level customer service positions.

Hecky’s Barbecue has expanded from one carry-out restaurant to include catering, wholesale, and retail divisions.