Our Story

Leslie's History

Coming Soon

Big Al's History

In life there are passengers and there are drivers, for our family, our Dad was the driver. This handsome debonair was a risk taker, an adventure seeker, a leader and above all, our fierce protector. This incomparable man took our family on the most amazing ride.

Let's touch briefly on his business accomplishments. People often said that whatever our dad touched, turned to gold. This could be true. Next time you drive down Notre Dame Avenue, our father's legacy covers 3 blocks, where he began with his furniture store (home of the Notre Dame Boys), the red building on the corner, the Silver Bullet, and Leslie's Charbroil & Grill where we still see his big smile. In all honesty Notre Dame Avenue should be renamed Al Langen Avenue.

Any challenge was never too big for our Dad. Our dad wasn't scared of anything or anyone, as some of you may know. A force to be reckoned with, he went up against all odds and always came out on the winning side. His only worthy competitor might have been Victor Newman from The Young and the Restless but even then, our dad would have won. You did not want to lock horns with my dad, because he was gonna win no matter the cost.

In contrast to his steadfast determination, our dad was a kind man with a great big heart. He had a way of making everyone feel special. That was one of his many super powers. Our dad loved hard, you could feel the love if you were lucky enough to fall under his gaze. As his children we all vied for his attention, because his love and approval meant everything to us. Every high mark, school success, new job, new anything, we couldn't wait to call him and tell him the news. He was the one we called for all our advice and he always had the best answer.

Through example, our dad made us feel like we were undefeatable, both personally and professionally. Our dad was also the biggest tease and a joker, if he teased you, count yourself lucky, he loved you plain and simple. Watching him tease our children, watching him watch his grandchildren with pride and love is hard to express. How lucky were we.

Our Dad shined like the brightest star, he owned every room he walked in. Power, class & confidence oozed out of every pore of his body. Then when he danced, the dance floor came alive, the way he would swing with our mom was mesmerizing. Our parents' relationship, their bond, was something we all aspired to have. How they looked at each other, the silent secrets, the way they stuck with each other through all of life's many challenges, was truly something to be respected and admired.

They allowed us to flourish with their unwavering love, and they exemplified what a relationship could and should be. The adventures he took our family on covered many countries, he led us through his strength and leadership, he gave us confidence to thrive no matter where we landed. Our family lived in laughter, we lived beneath his wings, primed and ready for his next big idea.

Our Dad's greatest advice was not to get attached to material things because anything could be bought and sold, and the ride always outweighed the cost. The life lessons learned along the way were priceless. We lived openly and truly with each other, being exactly who we are. He always had our back, even when he probably shouldn't have, but that was the type of man he was.

Allan Langen was our knight in shining armor. What else could you ask for in a husband married to the love of his life, our mom, for 54 years, a father of 3 daughters, grandfather of 5, the oldest sibling of 10 sisters and 1 brother. He lived a life surrounded by love, just like he deserved.

For his last rodeo, because every day with our dad was a rodeo show, he dropped us off and is continuing on his journey without us. But one day, we will find our way back to him, where we are sure he is waiting for us with open arms, a big smile, a bad joke and an amazing story about his latest adventure.

We miss you so much Dad and life will never sparkle the same without you.