Landmark BBQ Restaurant Closes Doors After 53 Years in Temple, TX

Sadly, inflation has claimed another victim. A business that has been operating in Temple, Texas for over half a century is turning out the lights, but is hoping to continue online by selling products through a soon-to-be created website.

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The price of meat is causing the owner of a local icon to make some tough choices.

We're a meat market. Basically, we deal in meat, we deal in brisket, we deal in sausage, chicken, turkey. And what's gone up with inflation? Gas and meat.

-Jeff Martinec, Owner of Al's BBQ Barn

Al's BBQ Barn has been open since 1969.

Reaction on Social Media

On KCEN-TV's Facebook page, many people shared their memories of growing up with the restaurant. Others thanked Al's BBQ Barn for all the great food throughout the last 53 years, while some reminisced about the original sandwich prices.

Martinec, who was six years old when his father opened the restaurant, says he remembers the days when customers could get four beef sandwiches for just one dollar.

Moving Al's BBQ Barn Online

Al's BBQ Barn may be closing in Temple, but the family doesn't want to give things up completely. They are planning to deliver their famous meat right to your door as soon as they work out details. Martinec said it will take a little time, but hopefully soon you'll be able to add your name to an email list and get direct shipments of Al's BBQ.

Martinec said they are currently working on a website, and are asking customers to be watching for updates on shipping information.

This Temple, Texas DoorDasher Helped an Elderly Woman Get Fresh Start

Shelby Moeller never imagined that an odd request while delivering for Door Dash would lead to a life-changing experience for him as well as an elderly woman who needed more than food.

He described his initial encounter on Facebook, thanking people who offered to help the 78-year-old woman he named 'Jane Doe' to protect her privacy. On March 20th, he was able to share some amazing news on Facebook.

"Many of you probably remember my post last week about door dashing and coming across an elderly woman in deplorable conditions. When I made the post, I was thinking that I just needed to raise awareness that our elderly right here in our community are often alone, forgotten, and in need of help. I never imagined that through my post, God was going to provide a small but mighty army of volunteers that would jump in and save Jane Doe."

Jane Doe had to be moved out of her apartment while biohazard disinfecting was done by Spotless Crime Clean. All furniture, carpet, and most of her possessions had to be thrown away. There was also no edible food, as everything in the kitchen was either expired or infested with insects.

Shelby was able to spend some time with the woman, who he described as his 'new adopted grandma'. He learned about her background, and how she had struggled throughout her entire life, being reduced to having nothing multiple times. She had developed some hoarding behaviors, and he believed that some of that was due to her fear of losing everything again.

Take a look at the before and after photos of the amazing transformation of her home that changed a Central Texas woman's life and helped her start over in a healthy environment.

Chill Out This Summer at the 6 Best Swimming Holes in Texas

Feeling hot, hot, hot? Here are six of the best swimming holes in Texas to get your chill on and lower that core temperature.

Trips to Discover and The Crazy Tourist both list the following six places as the best places to cool off this summer in the great state of Texas. You'll want to keep this list handy as the mercury rises and the sweat starts to pour!

What’s the Best Thing About the Most Expensive House in Texas? Being Safe

The most expensive house for sale in Texas includes a private marina, multiple waterfalls, a media room, 25 acres of amazing views on Lake Travis, and a safe room.

You really need to see Villa Del Lago to appreciate all these amazing features. Of course, luxury doesn't come cheap! The property comes with a price tag of $45 million.

Ready for the tour?

Source: Landmark BBQ Restaurant Closes Doors After 53 Years in Temple, Texas

Filed Under: Local News, News, Temple

Categories: Articles, Local News, News