Rudy Ramirez said he’ll forever cherish the memories made with Ron Acosta, including chats over coffee, dinners with family and competitive games of Phase 10.
SAN ANTONIO — A San Antonio man is mourning the loss of one of his closest friends who was the founder of Las Palapas.
Ron Acosta, longtime owner of the San Antonio-based restaurant chain, was found stabbed to death Tuesday morning inside his own home in Stone Oak. He was 78-years-old.
Authorities arrested Acosta’s nephew, 39-year-old David Ruiz, in his murder, although a motive for the attack remains under investigation. Investigators said Ruiz had just arrived from California.
For Rudy Ramirez, the news was devastating, as he was looking forward to spending time with Acosta after wrapping up a medical appointment on Tuesday. But that planned hangout never happened.
“I got numb,” Ramirez said. “I didn’t lose a friend, I lost a brother.”
Acosta and Ramirez shared an almost 40-year friendship that started as a simple business exchange. Ramirez operated a shoe repair shop on Blanco West Avenue.
“We would take care of his shoes and he would take care of us with tacos,” Ramirez said.
But their bond grew deeper over the years, grounded in a shared faith and a commitment to community. Acosta supported Ramirez when he opened a church and the two often held Bible studies together.
“I want to cry because he was just a giving guy. He was a loveable guy,” Ramirez said. “I didn’t see any darkness in his heart. All he had was his love for the people.”
While he grieves, Ramirez now seeks comfort in the memories made with Acosta, including their chats over coffee, dinners with family and competitive games of Phase 10.
“I’m not going to physically miss him, because he’ll always be in my heart,” Ramirez said. “He’s with the Father now.”
Acosta founded Las Palapas in 1981, expanding to two dozen locations in San Antonio and New Braunfels.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Las Palapas Restaurants said in part:
“We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic and untimely death of Ron Acosta. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time…Ron’s impact reached far beyond the restaurants he helped build. He brought people together, created jobs and opportunities, and shared his love of culture and community in everything he did. He will be missed more than words can express.”
Authorities initially arrested Ruiz in Kimble County who was believed to be leaving the state. Ruiz is now in being processed at the Bexar County jail.