Meet the team
Meet the minds bringing our downtown Evanston burrow to life. We’re a team built on intrigue, warm service, serious food, and thoughtful drinks. In other words, we keep things interesting. Every detail here is shaped by people who care deeply but don’t take themselves too seriously.
Jeremy Adler
Head Bunny in Charge
Jeremy Adler brings more than 15 years of hospitality experience to The Addled Bunny, along with the perspective of a Certified Sommelier and a career shaped by serious food, thoughtful drinks, and warm, unpretentious service. Before opening The Addled Bunny, Jeremy served as a wine director for Stephanie Izard’s restaurant group, where he developed a deep appreciation for restaurants that balance creativity, quality, and genuine hospitality.
With The Addled Bunny, Jeremy set out to create a cocktail-driven gastropub where the bar is as strong as the kitchen, and guests can come for either or both. His vision is rooted in the idea that a great neighborhood restaurant should feel polished without feeling precious, offering food and drinks that are memorable, approachable, and a little unexpected.
Located in downtown Evanston, The Addled Bunny reflects Jeremy’s belief that hospitality is about building a place people want to return to. From the cocktail list to the menu to the energy in the room, his goal is to create an experience that feels distinctive, welcoming, and full of personality.
Dana Tourloukis
Assistant General Manager
Dana Tourloukis brings a thoughtful, service-driven approach to her role as Assistant General Manager at The Addled Bunny. Her hospitality career began at 18 with what she thought would be a temporary college job as a cocktail server. Instead, it became the foundation for a lasting career built on listening, guest engagement, organization, and a genuine love for the restaurant and beverage industry.
Over the years, Dana has held a variety of service and leadership roles, including server, bartender, event coordinator, and general manager, with much of her experience rooted in Chicago and Evanston. One of her proudest achievements was helping keep a large-scale brewpub organization strong through the challenges of the COVID pandemic, using creativity, adaptability, and resourcefulness to meet the moment.
As a longtime Evanston resident, Dana was drawn to The Addled Bunny’s fresh energy and the chance to help shape it from the ground up. She hopes guests leave excited to return and try something new each time.
Outside of work, Dana loves exploring restaurants and breweries, traveling, spending time with her partner, family, friends, and two cats, and riding horses whenever she can.
Juan Rodriguez
Executive Chef
Juan Rodriguez brings 21 years of hospitality experience to The Addled Bunny, where he serves as Executive Chef. What began as a job during his senior year of high school quickly became a lifelong passion, leading Juan through every level of the industry. Over the years, he has built a career rooted in hard work, leadership, and a deep commitment to helping teams grow.
Juan’s proudest accomplishments include rising from crew member to General Manager within a year, helping earn “best food chain” recognition in Evanston, and leading multiple establishments to training-store status. Just as meaningful to him are the many team members he has helped mentor, support, and promote along the way.
At The Addled Bunny, Juan was drawn to the restaurant’s unique concept, bold food and drink menus, and the opportunity to bring something distinctive to life. He hopes guests leave remembering the atmosphere, the drinks, and, most of all, the food.
Outside the kitchen, Juan enjoys spending time with his family, watching his kids grow, learning new cooking skills, working on cars, and reading.
Francisco Ortiz
Sous Chef
Francisco “Paco” Ortiz brings over 20 years of hospitality experience to The Addled Bunny, where he serves as Sous Chef. What began as a job bussing tables in front-of-house roles soon revealed a deeper passion for cooking. His first real breakthrough came at Saigon Sisters, where he received invaluable training in a fast-paced kitchen. He has been captivated by the transformative power of food ever since.
Paco's proudest accomplishment came the day he stepped into the role of sous chef and created a dish entirely his own — one that earned a permanent place on the menu. It was a moment that reflected not just his growth as a cook, but his contribution to his team's success.
Now stepping into this role at The Addled Bunny, he's excited for the chance to help build something lasting, setting the standards, systems, and expectations that will carry the team forward, while also adding a touch of whimsy for downtown Evanston and guests of The Addled Bunny.
Outside the kitchen, Paco is an avid gamer — much to his wife's mild dismay, who wishes he'd branch out from Harry Potter every once in a while. He also loves exploring new cuisines and cultures, often turning it into an adventure with his wife and their two sons.
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