Help The Burger Shop Boss beat back cancer!

To a lot of you he is know as that grumpy Burger Shop guy who cooks a delicious burger, but to us he is Allan: husband, step father to 5 children, friend, brother, uncle and is so very important to so many. With a sad heart, I write with the devastating news that he was diagnosed with throat cancer in July of 2021. Since receiving that unfathomable news, Allan has been adamant that he will do whatever it takes to fight and win his battle against cancer.

After his diagnosis in July, Allan received a stomach tube and hasn’t taken any food by mouth since,…still he fights. He received a complete laryngectomy, losing all ability to speak and….still he fights. He breathes through a stoma and…..still he fights. He endured a 14 hour reconstruction surgery to rebuild his neck and esophagus and….still he fights. He healed a large surgery to his thigh needed for skin and tissue and muscle….and yet still he fights. His surgeries caused 2 strokes, weakening his arms and legs, and….still he fights! He re-learned how to walk and worked hard to regain his strength before the cancer knocked him back down again in December. Still….he…fights! His chemotherapy began in December. He has had 6 long hospital stays but remains determine to fight. For him, it is either fold or fight, and he refuses to fold his hand to cancer. For those of you who love him, his strength and determination is not surprising. For those of you who know him through The Burger Shop, his genuine kind spirit and eccentric personality has you rooting for him. The family appreciates all the inquiries, prayers, and well wishes and will keep this sight updated with his fight.

Allan is originally from NYC and moved to NC in 2000. In 2014 he followed Jennifer to Wake Forest where they designed and created The Burger Shop. The popular spot is his creation and he took great pride in offering simple but delicious food. He truly enjoyed interacting and sometimes “performing” in the open kitchen. He genuinely cares for his customers and what was going on in their lives. If you found yourself looking for him these past few months or know of his struggles and have prayed for him, then you know what I’m talking about. He has a dynamic personality and a gift for really seeing people. He made one feel special.

Allan is currently at Duke Hospital receiving treatment and when stable will return home. The prognosis is not favorable, yet HE STILL FIGHTS!

Jennifer and Allan are so appreciative of the support from their friends, family, and community. Since this summer, Jennifer has been juggling it all: managing the house with three young children at home, taking Allan to his appointments, sleeping at the hospital, and providing all of Allan's home care. All of this while keeping the restaurant open! Some of you may have seen her move from the front of the house to Allan's spot over the grill.

I am organizing this fundraiser on her behalf and that of Allan to help off-set medical costs incurred, lost wages, and possibly provide some home health care assistance. So many people have approached us asking for ways to help. The goal of $25,000 will help ease the family’s financial stress and allow them to focus on caring for Allan and assisting him in his fight against cancer.

Thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts for any donation, big or small - every single penny helps. Donations may also be made at The Burger Shop during business hours.

We will be sure to update this site with his progress. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.