Dallas, TX
Steakhouse owner Al Biernat, one of Dallas’ most connected restaurateurs, has died after ALS battle
Dallas steakhouse owner Al Biernat, whose charismatic presence at his namesake restaurant attracted both the famous and the famously loyal, has died at 69. Biernat had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was diagnosed earlier this year. Soon after, Biernat began exchanging emails with The Dallas Morning News about his life and fabled career.
Biernat spent more than 50 years in restaurants, often wearing a crisp suit at the front door of his elegant Dallas restaurant Al Biernat’s, arms outstretched for a lingering handshake and an effortless compliment. Many of the players from the World Series-winning Texas Rangers chose Al Biernat’s to celebrate their 2023 championship, and football phenom Tom Brady stopped in just a few months ago. Biernat relished meeting regular folks just as much though.
“Nice to see you” was his signature phrase, delivered in a noticeable Michigan accent.
Biernat could remember anyone’s name. He lost the ability to speak in early 2024 due to bulbar-onset ALS, which attacks the face and the neck first, and his silence felt particularly unfair for this charismatic maître d’ turned restaurant owner and accomplished host.
“I have been greatly blessed with so many wonderful people in my life that it makes my future much easier to cope with,” Biernat told The Newsin February 2024.
It was the last time I interviewed Biernat by phone. Soon, Biernat lost control of his tongue and could no longer speak. By the summer, Biernat had lost 40 pounds and could ingest food and fluids only with a feeding tube. His wife of 45 years, Jeannie Biernat, served as his interpreter, caregiver and supporter.
“This illness is crazy-hard to deal with, because you lose your ability to communicate with people,” Biernat told me via email in early 2024. As the illness progressed, Biernat remained dedicated to his Christian faith. He prayed for a miracle.
To read more, visit our partners at the Dallas Morning News.
Photo: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Card-carrying SAG member Timothée Chalamet was “starstruck” to meet the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders — doubtless due to their impressive collective bargaining skills, as depicted in docuseries America’s Sweethearts. Or because they’re classic Americana, either way. The Cheerleaders and Anna Kate Sundvold posted a video of Chalamet meeting the group and expressing his starstruckedness. “Imagine when he finds out that every single one of these dancers trained in ballet…” one commenter wryly snarked.
Chalamet was in Dallas for the FIFA World Cup, watching the France vs. Spain game. He wore a France jacket to the event, eliciting cheers and boos at Dallas Stadium in equal measure according to People. So Mr. Knicks met the cheerleaders for America’s football team at a fútbol match? Is there a single sport this guy isn’t stumping for? We eagerly await learning Timmy’s favorites in hockey, lacrosse, and individualized synchronized swimming (it’s real, look it up).
5 teens hurt after police chase ends in crash
Five teenagers were hurt after a crime spree ended in a crash. Police say they found multiple handguns inside the vehicle after the crash, and all five teens were taken to the hospital.
DALLAS – Five teenagers were hospitalized late Tuesday night after crashing a carjacked sedan into a traffic light pole during a brief police chase, Dallas authorities said.
Carjacking and crash
What we know:
The incident began at 10:37 p.m. in Old East Dallas, where a man was carjacked at gunpoint by a group of armed juvenile suspects in the 4500 block of Live Oak Street, according to Dallas Police Department records. The suspects left the scene in the victim’s white Honda sedan.
Just before 11 p.m., a Flock license plate recognition camera flagged the stolen vehicle at an apartment complex in the 9400 block of Bruton Road in Pleasant Grove.
Responding patrol officers spotted the Honda traveling west on Bruton Road near South Buckner Boulevard. When officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the driver accelerated and sped off, initiating a pursuit.
The chase came to a violent end at 11:02 p.m. at the intersection of Bruton Road and Second Avenue. Police said the driver lost control of the sedan and slammed directly into a steel traffic signal support pole.
Officers found five teenagers inside the heavily damaged vehicle. Dallas Fire-Rescue paramedics took all five suspects to local hospitals. Police said some of the teenagers suffered serious injuries, but all are expected to survive.
Investigators recovered multiple handguns from inside the crashed vehicle.
What’s next:
Detectives from the Dallas Police Department’s robbery and vehicular crimes units, alongside crime scene investigators and patrol officers, are continuing to investigate the incident. Charges against the juveniles are pending.
The Source: Information in this article is from the Dallas Police officers at the scene.
Dallas, TX
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