Al Biernat, the esteemed 68-year-old Dallas restaurateur renowned for his ability to remember customers’ names over nearly five decades at Al Biernat’s and The Palm, has received a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
In exclusive interviews with The Dallas Morning News, Biernat expressed his desire to engage with customers as he did for many years, but he acknowledged the challenges posed by his condition. He mentioned that his speech is now slurred, and swallowing has become difficult, both characteristic symptoms of ALS. During some of his interactions with The News, Biernat found it easier to communicate through written letters.
Biernat has been diagnosed with bulbar-onset ALS, which primarily affects the face and neck initially. This form of ALS often progresses more rapidly than others, according to research from the ALS Therapy Development Institute. Doctors at UT Southwestern informed Biernat that the average life expectancy for individuals with bulbar-onset ALS is approximately three years from the onset of symptoms in May 2023.
His daughter, Angelica Saylor, is collecting messages, anecdotes, and photographs from friends and patrons to provide her father with encouragement during challenging times. These sentiments can be sent to FriendofAl@albiernats.com or mailed to 4217 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas, TX, 75219, c/o Al Biernat’s Personal.
For more details, visit DallasNews.com/Food.
