ANKENY, Iowa — A local business owner is sharing his struggles to stay open, asking community members to support the restaurant before it’s too late.
Big Al’s BBQ has been a staple in central Iowa for nearly a decade. Their signature ribs and homemade sides have won a handful of local awards, and owner Al Laudencia has operated five separate storefronts since he started the business.
But Laudencia is now getting candid about the many struggles his businesses is facing. He was forced to close his Adel location due to staffing issues, and also lost his West Des Moines spot in a buyout, leaving only their new Ankeny storefront to keep the business alive.
"I’m thankful for the experience that we’ve had. I’m thankful for the lessons that I’ve been taught," Laudencia told Local 5. "I just ask that people give us a chance.”
Taking to the business's Facebook page, he wrote that the restaurant may be forced to close its doors in the new year if sales don't pick up.
"I don't know what's going on, but things are tough," Laudencia said. "So I'm just putting it out there that things are tough right now."
Since making the post last week, Big Al's has seen an increase in foot traffic. Laudencia said that multiple customers have shared their love for his food.
"The neat thing that came out of that was a lot of support," he added.
Customers have also given Laudencia feedback in the comments of his post. Some have expressed that prices are too high, while others feel that their Ankeny location, situated within The District entertainment center, isn't easy to find.
"People this weekend told me that they didn't even know we were here," Laudencia said. "That's why I'm trying to get the word out.
Loyal customer Luis Krieger, who has frequented Big Al's BBQ's various locations for eight years, often brings friends and family to try it out.
"Everybody I bring loves it," Krieger said. "My daughter has her own business, and so having that connection, I'm all in."
The future of this local barbeque spot remains up in the air, but Laudencia told Local 5 he hopes his vulnerability will encourage more people to support local businesses this holiday season.