Stanley is the brainchild of Chef Scott Boswell. Since opening his flagship fine-dining restaurant, Stella!, in 2001, he entertained the idea of a more casual counterpart. Even before he had a location, Chef Boswell imagined a menu—a menu of traditional American comfort food with a twist. Though construction had not yet begun on Stanley, Chef Boswell set his plan in motion. Anticipating what he believed would be the best hamburger ever, he instructed his staff to save and grind all excess tenderloin steaks at Stella. In preparation for the opening of Stanley, Stella's staff ground, portioned, and tested numerous incarnations of Chef Boswell's now popular burger. One day they found the perfect blend and The Stanley Burger was born. With burger in hand, the push was on. Chef Boswell could hardly wait to unveil Stanley to New Orleans.