The story
Social workers Hecky Powell and Cheryl Judice opened the New Orleans-style barbecue stand at Emerson Street and Green Bay Road in 1983; Powell's mother Verna, from New Orleans, worked the kitchen and her Creole recipes shaped the seasonings. Powell became the city's best-known philanthropist. He died of pneumonia after COVID-19 exposure on May 22, 2020 at 71, and hundreds of cars filed past his home in tribute; Cheryl Judice Powell continues the restaurant.
Everything that was here
- 1983–present · still open
Hecky's BarbecueBarbecue
Hecky Powell opened with $100 in the register on October 13, 1983, and "It's the Sauce" became Evanston's motto.
See the map in 1984 →
Nearby history
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Walker Bros. Original Pancake House
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