Gracious Host, Restaurateur Al Biernat Dead at 69

The curved booth seat to the left of the bar at Al Biernat’s restaurant has been a favorite meeting spot of ours for years.

After inquiring where our friend in the well-dressed suit and congenial smile had been, a friend who knew him well shared his ALS diagnosis. After nearly a year-long battle with the disease, the restauranteur has died at age 69.

Biernat was legendary around these parts, never forgetting a face and always looking one in the eye during a conversation, despite others tugging at his arm sleeve at the same time. In a society where we barely listen to one another, Al Biernat remembered a name, a face, and your story. He was one of those who treated the everyman the same as he did the A-list celebrity — and he hobnobbed with many — but valued learning about all types of people.

“I first met Al when he was the GM at The Palm. I was just out of college and barely could afford eating there, let alone a glass of house wine to complement my steak. What I remember most is that he treated me as if I was the most important guest with the most expensive check,” said longtime friend and fellow restaurateur, Salim Asrawi. “He will be sorely missed,” added the co-founder of Texas de Brazil.

Nancy Nichols wrote a piece for the website of our sister publication D Magazine that describes how Biernat set the “standard for graciousness.”

Dallas Morning News’ Sarah Blaskovich also wrote a touching tribute to the hard-working family man; the family shared the story on his social media account today. Blaskovich wrote of Biernat’s ambitions, his love for his family, and how he climbed the ranks at the famed Palm Restaurant, known for its signature caricatures of famous diners.

In 1998, he opened Al Biernat’s on Oak Lawn Avenue and built a loyal customer base. He later opened a second location in North Dallas on Spring Valley Road.

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