FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Dana Neely is the owner and "pitmistress" of Girls Gone BBQ in Fayetteville. She started in 2008, cooking for friends and then growing as she explored catering. The grill and smoker have become Neely's passion as she taught herself everything she knows.
"I'm doing what people typically think a man does. So really trying to get it out there that you know, girls barbecue too," Neely said.
As she searched for an upgrade to brick and mortar, Neely made the move to Northwest Arkansas. However, adversity hitched a ride, riddling her pathway.
"I got cancer, which I like to call my COVID cancer because I went through cancer during COVID. So nine surgeries later, and radiation. And then finally I was able to open up girls gone barbecue," Neely said.
In 2022, she finally opened her store in East Fayetteville. Help would soon follow as Quincy Kelly wandered in asking if for a job.
"She's basically become like my best friend. We're here all the time. Open to close," Kelly said.
However, everything came to a halt for Neely in May of 2023.
"I ate a steak. I was craving a steak. And then the next morning I woke up and I couldn't hear because my ears were swollen shut. My whole body started itching and I went and looked at myself. My eyes were swollen, my face was swollen, and I was covered in hives all over my whole body," Neely said.
Neely tested two days later and found out she had Alpha-gal Syndrome, or AGS, a serious, potentially life-threatening allergic condition that can occur after a tick bite, according to the CDC. She considers herself one of the lucky ones as she knew of the condition and learned right away, whereas she says people sometimes learn of the condition years later.
To continue in the kitchen, Neely got creative by using saran wrap and even creating a new AGS-friendly menu. The restaurant has three smokers (beef and pork, chicken, and vegan), separate prep tables, and separate ingredients. The change still took her away from the art she loved.
Neely soon learned that she was even allergic to the fumes while cleaning out a smoker.
"I miss being on the smoker miss the ribs when you know that they're ready and you just have to feel them to know when they're ready. I miss doing that," Neely said.
Neely explains that from the start, she knew she would have to leave her passion as people experiencing AGS could see symptoms last for many years. Her mother finally pushed her to keep the smoker billowing by leaving the kitchen and finding help, as her passion has become life or death.
"I'm terrified to go into anaphylaxis. You know. I'm terrified of it," Neely said. "I can't be in here. And also, I'm not as much help anymore, because I can't do what I need to do. And therefore, Quincy needs help."
"I'm nervous but I'm excited. I just want to make sure that this place lives, I want to make sure it survives," Kelly said.
While Neely will stop working inside the restaurant, she will continue to be the face of Girls Gone BBQ and will work from home.
You can help Girls Gone BBQ by visiting the GoFundMe run by Neely's mother. Neely says she is humbled and thankful for the restaurant community that has shared her cause and those donating.
Watch 5NEWS on YouTube.
Download the 5NEWS app on your smartphone:
Stream 5NEWS 24/7 on the 5+ app: How to watch the 5+ app on your streaming device
To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com and detail which story you're referring to.