08/26/2026
Why yes, Le Mars is a destination! Take a few minutes to read what Cheryl wrote about more Chaos being a good thing in the August edition of Siouxland Woman Magazine, available now at Habitué.
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GOOD PEOPLE, GOOD FOOD, & MORE CHAOS!
Written by Cheryl Wells
Step inside Chaos on Central, and it does not take long to understand why the place has become one of Le Mars’ favorite gathering spots. There is the smell of smashburgers on the grill, the color and craftsmanship of the space, the energy around the bar, and—more often than not—Nate Kass near the door, greeting guests as if he has been waiting for them all day. That is the thing about Nate: whether he is working the line at Bob’s Drive Inn or welcoming people into Chaos, he has a way of making everyone feel like a regular. During my visit with him, I heard the story behind the expansion of Chaos on Central and learned more about the man whose hospitality has helped turn a burger bar into something that feels a little like home. I can honestly say I have never had a bad experience at either place, whether because of the great food, the wonderful service, or the smile from someone who knows my name. It reminds me of an old sitcom and its theme song, right?
Nate attended Briar Cliff and, after college, became the morning news director at KMEG—a role I could easily picture him in. He later worked in food service and behind the bar at Tom Fooleries in Sioux City. Nate said he needed to “grow up,” and that Myles Kass had encouraged his sons to gain work experience elsewhere before returning to work for him in Le Mars. His brother Clint followed a similar path and now owns and manages Four Brothers in both Le Mars and Sioux Center. That approach has worked well for the Kass family and the restaurants they own and operate. Today, Nate’s son Kole works with him at Chaos and also at Bob’s Drive Inn, while Kole’s twin brother, Hudson, and their brother Dylan also work at Bob’s. The Kass family tradition continues—and Le Mars is better for it.
In the 14 months since Chaos opened downtown, Nate said it became clear they needed more space to handle the crowds coming to the burger bar. Guests often come in, are greeted by Nate, add their names to the list, and wait for a text when a table is ready. Some head next door or wander downtown while they wait. Nate could tell that, at times, people felt pressure to leave sooner than they wanted once they were seated—and that is not the experience he wants for his guests. They needed more room and, fittingly, more Chaos.
In January, Mike and I had a business move out of the building next to Chaos, and we were waiting to see what might be next for that space. At the time, we did not know what the Kass’s were thinking or planning. By the end of March, I started talking with Mike about approaching Nate to see whether our building could work for them. We began negotiations, and about three weeks later, reconstruction started to open the walls between the spaces. The result is a beautiful, brand-new area that fits exactly what they needed: more low-top tables, additional high-tops, and, best of all, a room for larger groups of eight to twelve people. Nate said they wanted the expansion to feel like part of the original restaurant rather than an add-on. We also talked about their menu and how they keep it simple—but so good. They change it occasionally and try new things that often become customer favorites. If something comes off the menu, just remember: it will likely come back again.
Chaos has become a favorite spot for us—and for many others—for several reasons. People come not only for the food, but also to see Nate and the staff, who have become friends because of the authentic, welcoming culture he has created. You can feel it, experience it, and see it the moment you walk through the door. The comfort comes through in many ways: the beautiful space, rich in color and craftsmanship; the thoughtfully designed bar that makes everyone feel part of the room’s energy; and Nate himself, serving as host with a well-trained staff who reflect his warmth and hospitality. The food is just as inviting. Nate has made excellent choices that feel distinct from Bob’s and Four Brothers while still matching the atmosphere perfectly. You can also tell people come to Chaos to see one another, and I love that about small towns—especially Le Mars. Guests move through the space visiting with friends and making new ones, which is wonderful to watch and even better to help provide. It feels good for the soul, and I believe it is good for Nate and the Kass family, too. I give them five stars and my thanks for raising the bar and making room for more.
