Outpouring for Dallas restaurateur Al Biernat soars after ALS diagnosis
Al Biernat, beloved Dallas restaurateur and founder of the acclaimed local steakhouse Al Biernat's , has received an outpouring of support from fans since revealing that he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, in February 2024.
Biernat is one of Dallas' all-time great hospitality figures, dating back to his days at The Palm steakhouse, for whom he opened the Houston location, followed by the Dallas location in 1984. Ever since Al Biernat's was founded on Oak Lawn Avenue in 1998, it has become a pinnacle and a destination for special occasions, Park Cities swells, and celebrities passing through town.
Biernat's sense of hospitality is nearly without compare in Dallas — and in recent years, has extended through his social media reach, with posts sharing visits such as former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who dined at the restaurant on September 14, delivered with Biernat's signature wit:
"Honored to have Tom Brady in the Al Biernat's Oak Lawn restaurant last night enjoying dinner with a party of 14 from Fox Sports," Biernat posted . "He had to sneak out the back of the restaurant, because some ladies were going crazy over him being there. He definitely has Charisma and Charm. He enjoyed the food and service. Promised to return. If anyone is curious, he enjoyed a cowboy cut Ribeye."
More recently, Biernat has shared his thoughts on grappling with ALS on Facebook, such as the one on September 2:
"My prayer is that God will give a team of medical researchers the Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding to find a cure to this cruel disease that is affecting more people every year," he posted . "Sure, I want a miracle for myself, but I want that for everyone who is struggling with this disease. Awareness is the key to finding a cure, because most people stay in the shadows and suffer, and die. Since I was diagnosed, so many people have told me of loved ones in their lives that had ALS. Something is causing this illness to become more prevalent. At the moment, neurologists don't know the cause, or the reason why it is happening more frequently."
The average life expectancy for people with ALS is two to five years after diagnosis, but the rate of progression varies from person to person. Symptoms can begin in the muscles that control speech and swallowing, or in the hands, arms, legs or feet. Biernat began to experience symptoms in May 2023.
Sadly, Biernat recently announced on September 22 that he would no longer be able to communicate on Facebook.
"Thank you for your loving kindness and prayers," he said . "I am signing off of Facebook because I no longer have the strength or dexterity in my hands to post or respond. You all have been more than supportive. I appreciate your friendship and prayers. Love and respect."
The post has received an outpouring from friends and customers, sending love and best wishes.
On September 18, he talked about the prospect of dying, but ended on a note of gratitude: "Having Bulbar ALS I am realistic about my future. Friends and family have asked me if I'm afraid of dying, and this is what I say to them. Because of the salvation of Jesus, I will be rejoicing in my spirit to see him in all of his glory. Since we are all flesh, soul, and spirit, only my flesh is being left behind. But don't get me wrong, I have a blessed life in this world, with a loving wife, and a beautiful family and many wonderful and caring friends. I am grateful!"
Al Biernat's has two locations, the original at 4217 Oak Lawn Ave., and a North Dallas location at 5251 Spring Valley Rd., and both are anticipated to continue to operate just as they have been, says Brad Fuller, the Director of Operations as well as Biernat's nephew, who has occupied the lead role at the restaurants for quite some time.
"Al originally had a plan to retire, and he was semi-retired for a few years already," Fuller says. "We have a great team, and I am taking on the operations of the restaurants. My cousins are also now involved with the business to ensure that we keep a strong family-run operation and keep the values and high standards in quality and hospitality that have always been such a strong part of my uncle's career and success."
