Support has poured in for Dallas restaurant owner Al Biernat, who died Nov. 13, 2024 after a fast-moving battle with ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease. A compassionate restaurateur for more than 50 years, Biernat will be remembered as one of Dallas’ most connected businessmen.

Biernat’s memorial is set for Dec. 2, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Dallas on 1707 San Jacinto St. All are invited to celebrate his life.

Valet parking is available — a flourish that Biernat would surely appreciate.

Near the end of Biernat’s life, after ALS symptoms robbed him of the ability to speak or eat, he told The Dallas Morning News he worried about leaving behind his wife of 45 years, Jeannie Biernat, and his three children. But, he said he also felt peace.

In a series of emails to The Dallas Morning News near the end of his life, Al Biernat said his faith led him through decades of a tumultuous restaurant business.

“I had a strong belief and confidence that God was with me along the way,” Biernat said.

He repeated that mantra often.

“I have learned to trust God,” he said, ”and keep my faith in all circumstances.”

Since Biernat’s death, friends and customers have honored his legacy in a flood of Facebook posts, emails to The Dallas Morning News and messages to his family.

Former Dallas Morning News dining review contributor Michele Axley said Biernat “was a thoughtful, prayerful, blessed man loved by many.”

Forrest Peterson, a server at Al Biernat’s for 25 years, said in early 2024 that Biernat was a servant leader who taught him grit and kindness.

“The way he treats people is going to be a legacy,” Peterson said.

One of the most succinct remembrances of Biernat comes from Brad Fuller, general manager of Al Biernat’s steakhouse and Biernat’s nephew. Uncle Al, as Fuller called him, had a big heart.

“Al has a special way of making everyone think they are the most important person in the room,” Fuller said.

Biernat’s family is gathering messages, stories and photos from friends and customers. Email FriendofAl@albiernats.com or write to 4217 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas, TX, 75219, c/o Al Biernat’s Personal.

Biernat’s celebration of life is Dec. 2, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Dallas, 1707 San Jacinto St., Dallas. Contact frontdesk@albiernats.com with questions.

For more food news, follow Sarah Blaskovich on X at @sblaskovich.

On Tuesday evening, the Dallas Mavericks beat the New Orleans Pelicans (at home) by a score of 132-91.

Luka Doncic returned to the starting lineup after missing Sunday’s 121-119 victory over the OKC Thunder due to an injury.

Before Tuesday’s game, head coach Jason Kidd was asked about Doncic’s slower start than usual to the season when met with the media (h/t Noah Weber of The Smoking Cuban).

Kidd: “He has shown that he’s human, I think some of us have forgot that he’s human. So the way that he’s playing, he’s 28 and 8 and 8, you sign up for that all day long. He’s missed some shots, it happens… He’s one of the best players in the world and we’re lucky to have him.”

Doncic finished Tuesday’s victory over New Orleans with 26 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block while shooting 10/16 from the field and 3/8 from the three-point range.

He is averaging 28.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.6 steals per contest while shooting 43.5% from the field and 32.4% from the three-point range in 14 games.

Kidd has been the coach of the Mavs since the 2021-22 season.

They have reached the Western Conference finals (2022) and NBA Finals (2024).

Following the Pelicans, the Mavs will play their next game on Friday against the Nuggets in Denver.

Doncic is in his seventh NBA season (all with the Mavs).

He has made five NBA All-Star Games in his first six years.

Associated Press

DALLAS (AP) — Dallas star guard Luka Doncic returned to the lineup on Tuesday night in an NBA Cup game against the New Orleans Pelicans after missing the Mavericks’ previous game because of a right knee contusion.

The Mavericks go in on a two-game winning streak following a four-game losing streak. Their most recent win came at Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City on Sunday night, 121-119, the first game that Doncic has missed this season.

In his previous outing last Saturday, Doncic played a season-low 28 minutes in a 110-93 home win over San Antonio and scored 16 points — one more than his season low. He sat out the final eight minutes with the Mavericks comfortably ahead.

Doncic won last season’s NBA scoring title, averaging 33.9 points per game, to go with 9.2 rebounds and 9.8 assists. He’s averaging 28.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.8 assists this season.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, when asked before Tuesday’s game about Doncic’s lower averages, said, “He has shown that he’s human. (Averages of) 28, eight and eight – you sign up for that all day long.”

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba