By Mark Wineka
mwineka@salisburypost.com
Al Boulus, whose Alís Night Hawk restaurant represented a rite of passage for many Salisburians, died this morning at Rowan Regional Medical Center.
Boulus, 86, retired from the restaurant business in 2001 after 51 years and three locations on West Innes Street.
His Night Hawk was a favorite hangout for Catawba College students, who after they graduated and moved away often made yearly pilgrimages back to Alís for his hot dogs. In addition, he made hamburgers and cheeseburgers with big slices of onion on them and was among the first Salisbury eateries to offer pizza pies.
College students also were attracted to the Night Hawk because he sold beer.
During its first nine years, Alís Night Hawk operated close to the college where todayís Weaver Building now stands. It was known for its nine stools out front and curb service in the back.
The second Night Hawk operated for 25 years next to the former Pockets restaurant. The last 17 years, the Night Hawk was in the West Innes Street building next to Ruftyís Garden Center. That location became a laundromat after Alís retirement.
In November 2003, Boulus made a special public appearance at Grace United Methodist Church on Faith Road, helping to make some 700 hot dogs for a church fundraiser.
As part of the celebration, artist Betty Sedberry gave her initial offering of a limited edition water color print depicting the second Night Hawk in its glory days.
At the fundraiser, Boulus easily broke his personal single-day record of making and serving 200 hot dogs.
A recitation of the Rosary will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, followed by a visitation until 9 p.m. at Summersett Funeral Home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
For more on Boulus, read Wednesdayís edition of the Salisbury Post.