Meet Cheryl Judice Powell, Hecky's Barbecue

Meet Cheryl Judice Powell, owner of Hecky's Barbecue, located at 1902 Green Bay Road. From their famous sauce to the philanthropic endeavors of the owners, Hecky's has become an institution in Evanston. But let's not forget about the amazing food made fresh daily! If you have tried it already, make sure to stop on by. And what's better for the 4th of July than barbecue??

KB: Hecky's has a long history in Evanston. Can you share some of that history?

CJP: Hecky’s Barbecue opened on October 13, 1983, at its current location, 1902 Green Bay Road, Evanston. The restaurant started with one storefront and over the years expanded to four storefronts. The restaurant specializes in barbecued and Southern-style foods including ribs, rib tips, chicken, hotlinks, macaroni and cheese, red beans and rice, greens, baked beans, coleslaw, and cornbread. Throughout Hecky’s nearly 41 years in business, the restaurant has won numerous food awards from various sources.  Most recently, in April 2023, Hecky’s won the ‘Reader’s Choice Award’ from the Chicago Tribune for best Chicago-style barbecue.  

KB: What can folks expect if they come to Hecky's?

CJP: Good food prepared fresh daily, and a warm welcome from the restaurant staff.

KB: How do you set yourself apart from other restaurants?

CJP: Hecky Powell and Cheryl Judice Powell both come from social service backgrounds. As a result, the restaurant was established with one of the goals being the training of young people for positions in the restaurant industry while instilling the work ethic. Over the restaurant’s history, Hecky’s has hired and trained 300+ young people. Hecky’s believes that a good business should operate for the benefit of the owners and the community.

KB: Any specials or services you’d like people to be aware of?

CJP: The busiest day of the year at Hecky’s is the Fourth of July. We start cooking early that morning to accommodate barbecue lovers. Hecky’s also has a strawberry soda to honor Juneteenth.

KB: What is your favorite thing about owning a business in Evanston?

CJP: Evanston has always been very supportive of Hecky’s Barbecue. This is a wonderful community in which to do business.