Burger Rebellion Offers Free Meals To Those Affected By Tornado

CREST HILL, IL — Jordan Blaskey saw the devastation in nearby towns after Sunday's tornado and wanted to do something to help. Fortunately, as the general manager of Burger Rebellion, he was in a position where he could immediately offer something to the community.

Anyone who has been affected by the tornado that hit areas including Naperville and Woodridge can come to the restaurant at 20631 W. Renwick Road in Crest Hill and receive a free meal for themselves and their family.

“It was more so... we just want to make sure the people who are effected by it are getting the support that they need right now,” Blaskey said. “We just want to help whoever comes in.
“We are aware that it's a larger area (impacted) than just Naperville and Woodridge.”

Owner Dale Lewis, who owns the restaurant with his wife Pamela Lewis, said that they are not only hoping to help people, but also hoping that their action inspires other businesses to help similarly.

“We saw all the devastation and destruction in the South Naperville and Woodridge area, and we were very fortunate that was not us,” he said. “We want to do whatever we can to help solve that one piece of their life to help put their mind at ease.”

Lewis said that the storms have affected structures and left some without power, and those individuals can't just cook themselves dinner. Burger Rebellion wanted to help in that regard.

Burger Rebellion opened Jan. 25 during the coronavirus pandemic. Lewis said the restaurant is a similar concept to Crusades Burger Bar in Yorkville, in which the Lewises were formerly partners. Burger Rebellion offers elaborate shakes and burgers with ingredients that are out of the box.

This week, the featured shake is Sweet Child O’Lime, which includes a key lime pie slice and a lime Kit Kat. The burger of the week is The Italian Stallion, which includes marinara, salami, mozzarella and pesto.

Blaskey said the restaurant has not identified an end date for the community outreach because they are aware that cleaning up from a natural disaster takes time.

In addition to offering a free meal to those impacted by the storm, they are highlighting the GoFundMe for Skeleton Key Brewery in Woodridge, which lost its tap room in the tornado.

Both Burger Rebellion and Skeleton Key have active Facebook pages where updates on fundraising and community outreach efforts can be found.