Family remembers Indy restaurant owner killed after argument over money

INDIANAPOLIS – The owner of one of Indy’s most popular and well-known soul food restaurants has died.

George Nelson Sr., 56, was shot and killed Wednesday outside Pa and Ma’s Backyard BBQ restaurant in the 2600 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street in the northwest part of the city.

“This is my Superman. Think of your daddy as your Superman,” Brockelle Nelson, George’s daughter, told WRTV.

Provided by the family

Pa and Ma’s Backyard BBQ, owned by Nelson and his family, was originally located in the 3400 block of College Avenue but recently moved to the Dr. MLK Jr. Street location.

“He wanted to lay the foundation so that kids and even adults could say, ‘If he can do it, I can do it,’ because my dad had no back. He really worked hard and worked diligently,” Nelson said.

His family believes Nelson was shot because of a dispute over money.

“He was determined to bring his business to this neighborhood, even though he knew it was a troubled area, but his family wanted to come back and improve the quality of life,” said Rev. Charles Harrison.

Provided by the family

The Nelsons decided to open their restaurant on Thursday because they thought that was what their father would have wanted.

Now the community is mourning because a pillar has been removed.

“Have a conversation, have a disagreement, but you can’t kill anyone,” Nelson said.