Rodeo Burgers & Chicken In Worth, Illinois: Meet The Chef

Feb 27

We sat down with Executive Chef Khalid Ganem of Rodeo Burgers & Chicken in Worth, Illinois. They are all about bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and making every bite unforgettable. The handmade, smashed-fresh-daily burgers and crispy, juicy, hand-breaded chicken set them apart.

Rodeo Burgers & Chicken In Worth, Illinois: Meet The Chef

With over 1 million views on Instagram, their fan-favorite Flamin’ Rodeo Burger—crusted with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, sweet grilled onions, and creamy nacho cheese—and Jalapeño Popper Burger, packed with signature cream cheese sauce, crispy fried onions, and homemade chipotle sauce, have people coming back for more.

Tell us what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?

By day, I work as an accountant at the Internal Revenue Service, and by night, I step into my other role—running Rodeo, where we craft some of the best burgers in Illinois! My mornings start early with a strong cup of coffee and a deep dive into numbers, but the real excitement begins when I get to the restaurant. Even after a full day at the IRS, I make it a priority to be hands-on at Rodeo—tasting, testing, checking, and making sure everything meets our high standards.

One of my favorite parts of the day is meeting with customers, hearing their feedback, and seeing firsthand how much they love what we do. I like to end my night with a final walk-through of the restaurant, ensuring everything is set for the next day, and reflecting on the incredible energy that keeps Rodeo going strong.

Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?

Being named “Best Burgers in Illinois” is an incredible honor, but what truly means the most to us is the reaction from our customers. With a 4.9-star rating and over 400 reviews on Google, we constantly hear people say it’s the best burger they’ve ever tried. And honestly, we’ve lost count of how many customers take a bite, then head straight back to the counter to order another one to take home!

From our Flamin’ Hot Rodeo Burger to the Jalapeño Popper Burger and our fully loaded fries, every item is crafted with high-quality ingredients and bold flavors that keep people coming back. The real achievement? Creating an experience so good that one burger just isn’t enough!

Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?

I don’t have just one favorite chef, but growing up in Chicago means being surrounded by some of the best food in the world. I’ve had my share of incredible burgers and comfort food, from classics like Gene & Jude’s, Portillo’s, and Johnnie’s Beef to Chicago’s legendary pizza scene. Being Palestinian also plays a big role in how I understand food— spice, flavor, and balance are second nature to me. Inspired by the unmatched comfort of my mom’s home cooking, I’ve always been a foodie, and that passion is what drives everything we do at Rodeo.

My advice to aspiring chefs? Never underestimate the power of simplicity. Great food doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be done right. Focus on quality ingredients, get the small details perfect, and most importantly, cook with passion. When people can taste the love and care in your food, they’ll keep coming back for more. And remember—food should look good, taste good, feel good, and be memorable. That’s what makes people crave it again and again.

What do you typically cook at home?

I’m the grill master at home—in charge of burgers, kebabs, and anything that needs to be cooked over an open flame. My wife, though, is the main chef in the kitchen, and I don’t step into her territory. There, I’m the official taster—she’s always cooking up something new and amazing, and I’m happy to leave the creative side of things to her!

What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?

Everyone has their own spin on burgers, and I’m always excited to try them. I don’t think you can find the same burger in two places—it’s what makes the burger scene so exciting and dynamic. Whether it's unique toppings, creative flavor combinations, or innovative cooking techniques, it’s amazing how each place brings something fresh to the table. I love how this trend keeps the classic burger evolving and always keeps me on my toes. And if I’m not biting into a burger, then I’m definitely craving sushi or asian-inspired cuisine!

What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?

Fries with mayo—always! It might sound unusual to some, but for me, it’s the perfect combo. The creamy mayo really enhances the flavor of the crispy fries in a way that ketchup just can’t match. It’s my go-to comfort food, and I definitely love it!

Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do have story to tell?

No, but I’m definitely ready to wow anyone who walks through the door! Always up for the challenge.

Tell our readers why they should visit Rodeo Burgers & Chicken?

At Rodeo Burgers and Chicken, we’re all about bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and making every bite unforgettable. Our handmade, smashed-fresh-daily burgers and crispy, juicy, hand-breaded chicken set us apart. With over 1 million views on Instagram, our fan-favorite Flamin’ Rodeo Burger—crusted with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, sweet grilled onions, and creamy nacho cheese—and our Jalapeño Popper Burger, packed with signature cream cheese sauce, crispy fried onions, and homemade chipotle sauce, have people coming back for more. And let’s not forget our delicious Philly cheesesteaks!

From loaded fries and nachos to our house-battered wings and tenders, we serve up comfort food with a serious kick. People don’t just eat here—they come back for seconds before they even leave! Come see why so many call us the best burger in Illinois—we’ll let the food do the talking!