In 1983, on the corner of Green Bay Road and Emerson Street, social workers Cheryl Judice and her then-fiancee Hecky Powell opened Hecky’s Barbecue, a New Orleans-style barbecue restaurant. 

“With a name like Hecky, it had to be put to good use,” said Judice, who is currently an adjunct lecturer at the School of Education and Social Policy. 

Over the years, the two built a legacy restaurant in Evanston that offered more than just delicious food. They forged connections with Northwestern, created a foundation and supported Evanston youth over the decades.

Following Powell’s death in 2020, the family has kept the restaurant alive, honoring his memory.  

While serving as the executive director for Evanston Neighbors at Work, Powell was approached by Democratic committeeman Thomas Fuller, who wanted to sell his restaurant after a year of being open. Believing it to be a good investment, particularly with semi-retired parents, Powell purchased the space from Fuller and started Hecky’s with just $100 in the cash register.

“If you talk to anyone in the restaurant industry, the first thing that they will tell you is how difficult it is,” Judice said. 

Inspired by the Creole cooking of Powell’s mother and grandmother, baby back ribs and brisket became staples of the restaurant’s menu. But many said what really sets the food apart lies in the restaurant’s famous slogan: “It’s the sauce!”  

Billy Montgomery, who frequented Hecky’s in its early years, said he heard about the restaurant while working at a telemarketing company on Davis Street.

“All they talked about was the barbecue place,” Montgomery said. “I was like, ‘Man, what the heck is Hecky’s?’ When I first tried it, I was hooked. Everybody always says it’s the sauce, and I agree.”

In 1985, Powell saw a marketing opportunity when former Chicago Bears player William Perry asked for a place to get “good ribs.” Powell contacted his agent, invited Perry to Hecky’s Barbecue and advertised the event. Judice said lines stretched down the block on both sides of the street. 

“Overnight Hecky’s became a place people knew about,” Judice said. “That’s when the restaurant began to take off.” 

As Hecky’s grew into a gathering spot, Powell became increasingly well known among Evanston residents, particularly the NU community. 

Powell fostered connections with NU’s athletic department. Football players drove to the restaurant for weekly pregame meals and Judice said Powell got to know Pat Fitzgerald (SESP ’97), former head football coach at NU, when he was still a player.  

The Kellogg School of Management also invited Powell to discuss his business philosophy annually, which focused on philanthropy through community outreach and hiring local youth.

“He became known as the mayor of Evanston,” Judice said. “Very few things that went on in Evanston and that people would discuss what happened without his knowing about it.”  

Former U.S. President Barack Obama allegedly visited Hecky’s when he was Illinois state senator, according to a WBEZ Chicago interview with Judice. Back when Obama was trying to build his political career in the community, someone told him to speak to Powell. In the interview, Judice said Powell took a liking to Obama and believed he would have a successful political career. 

Powell’s philanthropy extended when he founded the Forrest E. Powell Foundation, named after his father, in 1994. Judice said Powell wanted to recognize people with his father’s focus on hard work. The foundation provides scholarships and vocational grants for youth seeking technical training.

“His work ethic was impeccable,” Judice said. “Many a morning, he was at the restaurant 5:30, 6 o’clock — long before we opened at 11 — to make sure every dish had been washed, every pot and pan was in place.” 

As part of the foundation, Powell started the Work Ethic Program in 2016, providing employment and mentorship opportunities to Evanston Township High School students. 

Kemone Hendricks, founder of Evanston Present And Future, first met Powell when they worked together on a Juneteenth parade. She said she was struck by his commitment to engage with the community. 

“It was amazing to say the least,” Hendricks said. “He always said to me that he wanted the younger generation to be involved and do something.” 

On May 22, 2020, Powell passed away from COVID-19 complications. He was 71 years old. 

Shortly after, tributes poured in from community members. On May 24, 2020, hundreds paid their respects in a drive-by visit to Powell’s Evanston home. The procession lasted 40 minutes and brought out news outlets including PBS NewsHour and The New York Times, who paid homage as well. 

“(He) always knew how to make people feel good,” Hendricks said. “He led with his heart. Very business-oriented. Just an all around great person to have in your community.”  

During this time, Hecky’s closed for around six months to undergo renovations. It reopened on November 6, 2020, which would have been Powell’s 72nd birthday. More than 50 people attended the reopening, including then-mayor Steve Hagerty. They lined the street outside the restaurant, now called “Hecky Powell Way.”  

With Powell gone, Judice took charge of the restaurant, supported by manager Floyd Johnson, assistant Aracely Rodriguez and Powell’s daughter Gigi Powell.

“Our family got all involved,” Gigi Powell said. “My brothers were involved at one point. My aunt came from Atlanta. My mom took over. I kind of stepped up the plate. The restaurant really reflected him and his personality. We’re just carrying on his legacy for right now.” 

With Judice at the helm, the menu has expanded to include more vegetarian and gluten free options.

But reopening the restaurant during the pandemic was not without its challenges. 

“During COVID, we had to refashion how we served food in order to stay open,” Judice said. “Our model has always been, we don’t compete with anybody but ourselves. But out here it would be crazy not to acknowledge the number of restaurants that are also competing for business.”

Evanston recognized Hecky’s Barbecue in its legacy business program in 2023. One of the criteria for the recognition requires that the business has made a significant historic, social, cultural or economic contribution to the community — acknowledging the ways Hecky’s has served Evanston. 

Nowadays, Hecky’s continues to thrive, winning the Chicago Tribune’s Readers’ Choice Award for the best Chicago-style barbecue in April 2023. This was the first award the restaurant received following Powell’s passing. 

Hendricks said she believes that longstanding businesses like Hecky’s do more than serve food — they strengthen the fabric of Evanston. 

“It provides trust for community members,” Hendricks said. “It shows that they’re not just business owners. They are a part of this community. They care about the community. When you have certain businesses that have been here for so long and really invested in the wellbeing, it sends a message to other communities that this is a great place to live.”  

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— Open Tab: Hecky’s Barbecue serves up mouthwatering New Orleans fare, ‘E-Town Style’ 

— Evanston commemorates Juneteenth with parade, celebration 

— After Hecky Powell died last May, his family continues the legacy of Hecky’s Barbecue