It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Plano High School and Gymnasium - Texas State Historical Marker gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Plano, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well”
“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their”
“Best place to work. My coworkers are caring, compassionate and ready to step in at”
“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”
“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well”
“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”
“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their”
“Great place to work for. Great Boss and Ladies in Office. Been working for almost 4yrs in September this year. They help out when ask.”
“I was blessed to find this job two weeks ago. I have met wonderful people during my tenure here so far. All of the staff has been welcoming and truly make me feel like family. I have never felt more appreciated. This is a five star company!!”
“We were so happy with Always Best Care. They took great car of my parents for over 2 years. Very professional care givers. The staff loves working for the company and the owner takes great care of them. If ever needed we would use their services again.”
“Everyone in their office is knowledgeable and have gone above and beyond to answer all of my questions. They definitely have the heart for caring for the elderly and experts in placement.”
“Great environment for growth and great team!”
“I have been with the company like almost 3years but the staff is wonderful n caring they go out and beyond for there clients .”
“I love Always Best Care they are an awesome company to work for, The name speaks for itself because always we give the best care for each of our patients...I love the staffs and the patients I have been working for Always Best Care 5 years and not one regret. ????”
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“Dear Mr. Gardner, I am writing to express my gratitude for the commitment and service of your employee, Shameka Kelly. Through your agency, Ms. Kelly was connected to our family to serve as a caregiver for my sister Victoria who was in the late states of ALS/Lou Gehrigs disease and required 24-hr. care at home. Shameka served as full-time caregiver under the direction of Victorias husband Ron, who was able to keep my sister at home until her passing this past March. This catastrophic and incurable disease rendered my sister completely paralyzed wheelchair bound, unable to speak, bathe, eat or even lift a finger to do anything for herself. Shameka did what most caregivers would not or simply could not do because of the stamina and patience required to care for Victoria. Before Shameka, we hired a multitude of caregivers who came and went sometimes only after one day because of how strenuous and taxing being a caregiver to my sister was. Day after day, Shameka arrived for the job with a smile on her face and the patience and commitment to go with it. My sister Victoria grew to love Shameka, as we all have. It was a great comfort to us because we knew that if Shameka was on duty, my sister was in good hands. Shamekas character, integrity, humor, honesty and professionalism are beyond reproach. She is an extremely caring individual who is always upbeat, optimistic, and patient. She was an answer to prayer for our family and became more than a caregiver she became part of our family. She has my highest recommendation for any task or client that may be placed before her. And we will be forever grateful. Kindest regards, Pamela Meek North Richland Hills, TX”
“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well as their staff...it is just the one to choose... Always best care. Means always you get the best..and they are it.”
“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their families as well. When you need someone to sit with your ailing relative, call Always Best Care. They will work with you to provide the service you need at a price that you can afford. Their caregivers are experienced and will treat your family as though they were "their" family member. Don't miss going to work or have anxiety attacks because you need someone to care for your parents, take them to their medical appointments, or simply spend a few hours during the day making sure that they are safe, fed, groomed, had their meds, and maybe even have someone to play a little chess with. Call Always Best Care!! They are awe-some!”
“Best place to work. My coworkers are caring, compassionate and ready to step in at any moment to help. It's not a job when you love what you do. It's a calling.”
“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”
“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well as their staff...it is just the one to choose... Always best care. Means always you get the best..and they are it.”
“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”
“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their families as well. When you need someone to sit with your ailing relative, call Always Best Care. They will work with you to provide the service you need at a price that you can afford. Their caregivers are experienced and will treat your family as though they were "their" family member. Don't miss going to work or have anxiety attacks because you need someone to care for your parents, take them to their medical appointments, or simply spend a few hours during the day making sure that they are safe, fed, groomed, had their meds, and maybe even have someone to play a little chess with. Call Always Best Care!! They are awe-some!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Bob Woodruff Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Capital Grille or visit Downtown Plano, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Plano, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Plano, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Plano, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Odessa Permian (TX) vs. Plano (TX): Live updates, score of the Jerry Jones Classic played at The Star originally appeared on The Sporting NewsOdessa Permian takes on Plano in the 2025 Jerry Jones Classic being played at The Star in Frisco, Texas.Follow The Sporting News correspondent Buck Ringgold (@Bucks_Ballpark) for all of the live updates and scoring from Frisco.Scroll down for live score and game updates from kickoff to the postgame. Refresh this page for the latest.PLANO 7, ODESSA PERMIAN 3 2ND ...
Odessa Permian (TX) vs. Plano (TX): Live updates, score of the Jerry Jones Classic played at The Star originally appeared on The Sporting News
Odessa Permian takes on Plano in the 2025 Jerry Jones Classic being played at The Star in Frisco, Texas.
Follow The Sporting News correspondent Buck Ringgold (@Bucks_Ballpark) for all of the live updates and scoring from Frisco.
Scroll down for live score and game updates from kickoff to the postgame. Refresh this page for the latest.
Refresh for latest
- TOUCHDOWN PLANO. Wildcats get a big-play TD to take their first lead of the day. CJ Smith connects with Kaedyn Brown for a 55-yard strike and the Wildcats add the PAT. (Plano, 7-3 | 8:56, 2nd)
- ODESSA PERMIAN FIELD GOAL. Panthers have a drive stalled, but Iker Munoz comes on to kick a 30-yard field goal early in the second period. (Permian, 3-0 | 11:52, 2nd)
- Permian goes for it on fourth-and-1 in Plano territory and Gavin Black runs forward to keep the chains moving for the Panthers.
- Plano in the red zone before the drive stalls. Wildcats attempt a 35-yard field goal but it is no good. We are still scoreless at The Star.
- Jerry Jones comes out for the coin toss and the reaction, well.....
- Live from the Star in Frisco, Odessa Permian will be taking on Plano in the 2025 Jerry Jones Classic.
Battle of Texas defending state champs shifts location to nearby 10,000-seat stadium
A team seeking to go farther in the playoffs goes up against a team wanting to make the postseason in Saturday’s Jerry Jones Classic.Odessa Permian will take on Plano High in the fifth annual event, which will take place Saturday afternoon at The Star in Frisco.Permian, one of the tradition-rich powers in Texas, is coming off an 8-4 season in 2024. The Panthers were defeated in the area round of the UIL 6A Division I playoffs by North Crowley, the eventual champions.But Permian has high hopes entering this season, ...
A team seeking to go farther in the playoffs goes up against a team wanting to make the postseason in Saturday’s Jerry Jones Classic.
Odessa Permian will take on Plano High in the fifth annual event, which will take place Saturday afternoon at The Star in Frisco.
Permian, one of the tradition-rich powers in Texas, is coming off an 8-4 season in 2024. The Panthers were defeated in the area round of the UIL 6A Division I playoffs by North Crowley, the eventual champions.
But Permian has high hopes entering this season, returning seven starters on offense and nine on defense. Among those are quarterback Jakob Garcia, who threw for nearly 1,500 yards and 14 TDs, and running back Gavin Black, who rushed for 2,375 yards and 31 TDs.
Last season, Plano finished 5-5 overall and missed a playoff berth, going 4-4 in its district. The Wildcats are returning just two offensive starters and five on defense, but do return tailback Chance Culley, who rushed for 1,139 yards and nine TDs.
Here’s everything you need to know about Odessa Permian and Plano, including live stream information for the game.
Odessa Permian vs. Plano can be accessed live on the Panthers Sports Network, which is available on Permian’s official athletics web site.
The opening kickoff is set for noon CT on Saturday, Aug. 30. The game will be played at The Star in Frisco.
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A Plano restaurant was closed after health inspectors found it serving customers despite having no water during the latest round of city inspections, according to the inspection reports.The reports compiled by the Star-Telegram include health violations from July 20 through July 26 and the results of 65 inspections.Plano’s restaurant inspections function on a 100-point system: A score of 100 is considered perfect and a score of 70 is considered extremely poor.Anjappar, located at 4940 McDermott Road, had a s...
A Plano restaurant was closed after health inspectors found it serving customers despite having no water during the latest round of city inspections, according to the inspection reports.
The reports compiled by the Star-Telegram include health violations from July 20 through July 26 and the results of 65 inspections.
Plano’s restaurant inspections function on a 100-point system: A score of 100 is considered perfect and a score of 70 is considered extremely poor.
Anjappar, located at 4940 McDermott Road, had a score of 91. The restaurant was closed after a manager told a health inspector that the building’s water had been shut off, according to the report. Customers were still being served at the location at that time, and the inspector ordered the restaurant to close until the water bill was paid and the facility was cleaned. The restaurant later reopened after a follow-up inspection, according to the report.
Three food establishments scored below 80:
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Ked’s Artisan Ice Cream & Treats, located at 6205 Coit Road, was noted to have issues with roaches in this inspection and the last inspection, according to the report.
Three restaurants had repeat violations:
Here are the inspection scores and violations for restaurants within the city limits of Plano for July 20th - July 26th, 2025. A score of 100 is a perfect score and 70 is considered to be extremely poor. Each establishment receives between one and four routine inspections per year. To search the restaurant inspections, type in a keyword or restaurant name. You can also sort by score.
Some data analysis in this chart was conducted using AI. For more information on how the Star-Telegram and McClatchy newsrooms are using AI, go here.
After getting its start in a tiny North Texas town, top 50 barbecue joints has packed up to make the move to Plano.Yearby’s Barbecue and Waterice, which specializes in halal barbecue, will open in early October near U.S. Highway 75 and Parker Road after two and a half years in Pilot Point.Owners Sabrina and CJ Henley got their start in barbecue in 2020 by making chopped brisket sandwiches to hand out to their son’s football team after home games. Within a year, they started a food trailer that they parked in front ...
After getting its start in a tiny North Texas town, top 50 barbecue joints has packed up to make the move to Plano.
Yearby’s Barbecue and Waterice, which specializes in halal barbecue, will open in early October near U.S. Highway 75 and Parker Road after two and a half years in Pilot Point.
Owners Sabrina and CJ Henley got their start in barbecue in 2020 by making chopped brisket sandwiches to hand out to their son’s football team after home games. Within a year, they started a food trailer that they parked in front of an O’Reilly Auto Parts shop. Two years later, they opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Pilot Point, and this year, they were named one of the top barbecue spots in Texas.
“We took a gamble,” said Sabrina in an interview with The Dallas Morning News. “We stepped out there on faith because all we had in our pocket was $3,000. But we knew we were doing this together and for our family. It was like if we fail, we fail, but at least we tried.”
Their success is particularly notable as neither of them had any knowledge of Texas barbecue before CJ picked it up as a hobby. Sabrina, who was born and raised in Philadelphia said CJ, who is from New Orleans, started smoking briskets for fun.
“We didn’t know about Texas barbecue, but we knew about grilling,” she said. “The hobby started costing a lot of money, though. I’d be like, ‘Why we eating brisket every day?’”
CJ laughs at the fact that for years he chopped up all of the briskets he smoked before serving them to anyone because he was worried about them being dry.
“I had to reach a new level of confidence because I knew that in order for us to really traverse into the barbecue space, we had to stop chopping up all the briskets we were smoking,” he said. “I basically changed the cooking method and started pulling them [off the smoker] a little sooner and putting them in the warmer as opposed to running them all the way through.”
When they opened Yearby’s, which is named after CJ’s grandfather, in 2022, they were drawn to Pilot Point by the affordable rent. They weren’t sure, though, how their business would be received.
“We had a Black-owned, Muslim halal business in Pilot Point, Texas,” Sabrina said. “People were cautious but welcoming. Some people would come in and say, ‘Wow, you’re the first Black Muslim I’ve ever met.’”
It took a little while for their restaurant to gain traction, but soon it grabbed the attention of both people in Pilot Point and those willing to make the hourlong drive from Dallas and its suburbs.
Once some people get past the fact that being a halal restaurant means no pork is on the menu, the Henleys said they win them over with their brisket, smoked chicken and smoked meatloaf. The water ice, a Philadelphia specialty, also gets attention.
Here’s how Sabrina describes the treat of her childhood to the uninitiated: It’s a frozen dessert with a creamy texture but no dairy. It’s made with water, fruit flavoring, fruit and sugar.
“And a little drop of rain from heaven,” said CJ.
They source the water ice from Philadelphia in a handful of flavors, and it’s one of two desserts on the menu, along with the more expected banana pudding.
When the Plano restaurant opens, the Henleys, who live in Anna and have six children ages 5 to 15, said they’ll be there every day as they were at the Pilot Point restaurant. CJ makes the meat and Sabrina handles all the sides.
“It was definitely difficult to leave because Pilot Point has been so welcoming. They treated us like family,” CJ said. “We had to move on, though, and take a good opportunity to open in a new space. We can now be closer to a lot of our customers who were driving an hour to see us.”
The new restaurant will still have a patio but it will have twice the seating as the Pilot Point restaurant did. The Henleys also added an additional smoker in anticipation that their family business will have a bit more traffic than it did in its small town days.
Yearby’s Barbecue and Waterice is expected to open in early October 2025 in Plano near U.S. Highway 75 and Parker Road. It will be open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until sold out. .
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