La Principal, a local favorite, is closed on Mondays but comes alive from 4:30 to 9 p.m. thanks to Ben Janasiak’s Hatchet Burger pop-up. Located at 700 Main St. in Evanston, this spot attracts customers looking for comfort food on a night when most eateries shut down.
Janasiak, an Evanston native, once worked in fine dining before launching his own venture. He wanted to create a casual dining experience using fresh ingredients and his culinary skills. “I’m experimenting with comfort food, like burgers and sandwiches,” he says.
Hatchet Burger started as an occasional pop-up serving porchetta sandwiches from La Principal’s takeout window. Ben’s friend, Eric Young, who owns the restaurant, encouraged him to use the space creatively. Young believes the restaurant industry can limit creativity when cooks work the same menu day after day. With Ben’s pop-up, they can shake things up.
“I gave him a key and let him take the reins,” Young recalls. “The concept is all Ben’s.”
The menu features a classic smashburger paired with a special sauce, along with vegetarian options. This once “secret sandwich shop” has grown rapidly from occasional events to weekly gatherings. Sometimes, Hatchet Burger sells out before closing time, which Janasiak admits is a challenge. “I want to serve everyone who comes in, but estimating supplies can be tricky,” he explains.
What’s driving this growth? Mostly word of mouth. While Janasiak has an Instagram page, he keeps marketing simple. “I want people to discover it themselves,” he says.
Regular customers, like Elijah and Molly Knake, discovered Hatchet Burger through personal connections. Molly worked with Ben’s daughter at La Principal, and both had loved Ben’s food at Dear Margaret, another popular local restaurant. For Molly, the tater tots are “the best” she’s ever tasted, making Monday nights a family tradition. “I look forward to it all week,” Elijah adds.
Young appreciates how Hatchet Burger attracts more traffic to Main Street, benefiting both his business and the community. “It helps us all,” he says.
Ben hopes to keep popping up at La Principal for as long as people keep coming. While he’s exploring options for a permanent location, he enjoys the current setup and intends to collaborate with other local chefs even after he finds a space. Recent trends show a surge in pop-up restaurants across the country, especially after the pandemic, as diners seek unique experiences and meals made with love.
Janasiak’s journey highlights a growing movement in the food industry where creativity and community meet. “It’s gratifying to work with talented chefs and see people enjoying my food,” he shares. His story exemplifies how passion and collaboration can breathe life into a culinary venture.
For more about the changing dining scene, check out this article from [Eater](https://www.eater.com), which dives into the rise of pop-ups and the evolving restaurant landscape.
