Al's Mesquite Grill Open for Business

From the folks behind Square's BBQ comes a brand new restaurant that branches out from barbecue basics.

Al's Mesquite Grill, located at 4801 Buffalo Gap Road, is now open after being in the works for more than a year.

Before constructing the new building, the owners had to seek rezoning of the property, which was zoned for single family homes and office buildings. Some neighbors objected to the rezoning plans, because they were worried about even more restaurants coming to the area which would bring smells and potential runoff.

The Abilene City Council approved the rezoning in February 2010, and construction began over the summer.

Al's Mesquite Grill is run by Brian Callaway, who's father, Al, owns Square's BBQ. Unlike Square's, Al's offers an expanded grill menu with steaks, burgers, chicken and pork chops. Both restaurants sell take-home and vacuum-packed meats for larger occasions, and offer catering.

Have you tried the new joint? Leave a review in the comment section!

Pizza Inn... The Sequel

Abilene will soon have a second Pizza Inn restaurant, chief photog Andrew Carlson reports.

Building permit records indicate Pizza Inn is building a new restaurant on Ridgemont Drive near Lowes and Outback Steakhouse.

This will be the second Pizza Inn in town, joining the one on North Judge Ely Boulevard that opened last year. The opening of that restaurant marked Pizza Inn's return to Abilene after several years.