“Pa and Ma’s Backyard BBQ” appears on The Food Network after the owner is killed

INDIANAPOLIS — A little more than a month after the owner of Pa and Ma’s Backyard BBQ was murdered, his restaurant will soon be featured on the Food Network.

“The Food Network had reached out to my parents and they said, ‘We’ve heard so much about you from your customers. What’s your story?'” said Brockelle Nelson, daughter of George and Monica Nelson.

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The story began in 1995 with just $175 and a vision.

“In recent years he’s said, ‘I probably won’t even see the fruits of my labor, but they’re coming.’ I said, ‘Don’t say that,'” said Monica Nelson, owner of Pa and Ma’s Backyard BBQ.

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George Nelson Sr. was shot dead in front of his restaurant in northwest Indianapolis in August.

“Every day is a challenge, but we overcome it,” said Monica Nelson.

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“Thanks to him, cooking represents community, it represents family, it represents joy, it represents legacy and it represents history,” said Brockelle Nelson.

On Friday, Pa and Ma’s will appear with Guy Fieri on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.”

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“He said, ‘I almost didn’t drag you because you moved to a new place. But I continued to see the community and the fresh food. Pa and Ma’s Backyard BBQ loves their community,’” said Monica Nelson.

The episode was filmed in February before George Nelson Sr.’s death.

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“I love the brisket and green beans. I like the cornbread,” Librty Bell said.

Bell found Pa and Ma 21 years ago when, unbeknownst to them, George and Monica Nelson were feeding their children for just $3.

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“I cried like a baby. I said, ‘You fed my kids and I didn’t even know it,'” Bell said.

Bell said it left her speechless to see George Nelson’s dream come true by appearing on his favorite show.

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“It shocked me,” Bell said.

“When I see the pictures from this episode, I just think, ‘Damn daddy, you made your dream come true,'” Brockelle Nelson said.

Provided by the family

The episode will air on Friday, October 4th at 9 p.m. on The Food Network.

The family would like to thank the community for showing so much love and support following the death of George Nelson. They hope to carry on his legacy and serve the community the way he wanted.