Revival Food Hall Debuts Retro Burger Stand From Budlong Owner

Revival Food Hall in the Loop continues to mix it up when it comes to burgers as a new retro-style spot debuted Monday. Hamburger Stan, from the ownership behind essential fried chicken mini-chain the Budlong, is designed to be an unfussy throwback to a golden age of fast food. The menu features classics such as griddled smash burgers, draft root beer floats, and more. It replaces chef Mindy Segal’s (Hot Chocolate) burger stand that popped up in July 2019.

Hamburger Stan serves hand-cut fries and griddle-cooked, custom-blended burgers such as the “Hamburger Stan” (double-stacked three-ounce patties), the “Little Stan” (one patty), and the “Impossible Stanley” (meat-free Impossible Burger). Each comes with American cheese, white onions, pickles, and “Stan” sauce on a bun. The menu also includes a grilled chicken “Stanwich” with a pickle-brined chicken breast (lettuce, tomato, herb mayo, bacon for $2 extra).

This is owner Jared Leonard’s second location as he debuted the brand in Denver. Leonard founded the Budlong, which is also has a location inside Revival. He said Budlong fans have long asked him for a non-fried chicken option, so he seized on the opportunity.

The desserts options also opt for a retro vibe, such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry milkshakes, draft root beer floats, and fudgey brownies. Drink selections include root beer, lemonade, iced tea, and fountain drinks.

Leonard sees the project as an ode to fast food’s former glory, “back when fast food just meant that the food was cooked quickly.” Leonard grew up eating at suburban Des Plaines fast-food destination Paradise Pup, which was featured on Guy Fieri’s Diner’s, Drive-Ins, and Dives in 2007. The idea of a retro burger spot appeals to Leonard’s childhood nostalgia, a time when offerings were of good quality and served with a smile, he said. Affordability is also key to Leonard — a burger goes for $8.

Hamburger Stan occupies one of Revival’s pop-up spaces. It’s officially slated to operate inside Revival for five months, but Leonard wants to keep his options open: “We’ll be there until we’re not,” he said.

If customers respond well to the Revival location, he’d like to expand Hamburger Stan into a space of its own in Chicago. Ideally, he wants to open a location on Armitage near the Budlong at 1008 W. Armitage Avenue in Lincoln Park as a one-two punch of burger and chicken spots with some shared staff and management.

Hamburger Stan opens Monday inside Revival Food Hall.

Hamburger Stan, inside Revival Food Hall, 125 S. Clark Street, Open 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Sunday.