'He would want us open taking care of customers': Taco Al's invites community to leave a note after owner's passing

TOPEKA (KSNT) - After the death of a beloved taco shop owner, the restaurant is inviting the community to leave some kinds words.

Taco Al's is back open after the loss of its owner, Al Ward, and is inviting community members to leave their condolences and share memories of Al. According to the restaurant's Facebook page, if you stop in for a taco, you are invited to leave a note for "TACO AL", as well as say hello to "TACO LADY Sandra".

Al's wife, Sandra told 27 News Al would have wanted the store to be open to serve the community.

"Al past away on Monday, we were closed Monday, we were closed yesterday, but he would want us to be open to take care of the customers," Sandra said. "They were his top priority."

Sandra said their granddaughter set up a memorial for Al in his favorite booth, looking out to the parking lot. The memorial is complete with pictures of Al, his favorite things and a stack of cards for costumers to write to Al.

"We're one great big family, even the customers," Sandra said. "It's like we're 'Cheers', the TV show... It's just a totally different attitude and atmosphere than big corporations."

Al's Taco Shop is going to continue operating as usual, according to Sandra.

"My daughter, Julie and I are going to continue operating al's there won't be any changes," she said.

Taco Al's is open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 1423 SW 6th Ave Topeka, KS 66606.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.