San Antonio isn't just a city; it’s a collection of flavors and faces that define the place. If you've lived here for more than twenty minutes, you know Las Palapas. It’s the go-to for breakfast tacos and those specific late-night cravings. But behind the bright neon signs and the rows of drive-thrus is the story of Ron Acosta, a man who basically built a Tex-Mex empire from a single spot on West Avenue.
Honestly, people often talk about business founders like they’re these untouchable figures in suits. Ron wasn’t that guy. He was the kind of person who’d show up at a new location opening—like the one on Babcock back in 2017—and talk more about the quality of the tortillas than the profit margins.
The Real Story of Ron Acosta and Las Palapas
Edward "Ron" Acosta started this whole journey in 1981. Think about San Antonio in the early 80s. The food scene was competitive, but Ron had a vision for something that felt like home but moved at the speed of a modern city. He opened the first Las Palapas near Churchill High School. It wasn't just another taco joint.
He grew that single location into a 20+ unit powerhouse. But here’s the kicker: he did it while sticking to values that most corporate consultants would call "bad for business."
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Why Sundays Were Always Quiet
One of the most legendary things about Ron Acosta was his refusal to open on Sundays. In the restaurant world, Sunday is a goldmine. It’s brunch day. It’s "I don’t want to cook" day. Yet, Ron insisted his teams stay home. He wanted his employees to have time for faith and family, just like he did.
- Faith First: Ron was a man of deep Christian conviction.
- Community Impact: He didn't just talk about charity; he funded it.
- The 100 Club: He was a massive supporter of first responders, even creating the "100 Club Plate" where proceeds went directly to families of fallen officers.
A Legacy Beyond the Kitchen
It’s easy to look at a successful business and assume it was all about the "grind." With Ron, it was about the people. When Wayne Detmar took over as CEO about five years ago, he didn't scrap what Ron built. He expanded on it. That tells you something about the foundation Ron laid.
Most founders disappear after a buyout. Not Ron. He remained a "pillar" (a word you hear a lot when people mention him) of the Stone Oak community and the wider San Antonio area. He was the guy donating to widows and orphans, continuing the philanthropic work his late wife, Elssy, was passionate about before she passed in 2010.
The Tragedy Nobody Saw Coming
The reason Ron Acosta’s name has been in the headlines recently isn't because of a new taco recipe. It’s because of a tragedy that honestly feels like a gut punch to the city. In July 2025, Ron was killed in his North Side home.
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What makes it even harder to process is that it involved a family member—his nephew, David Ruiz. According to reports and family statements, Ruiz was reportedly going through a severe mental health crisis. Ron, being the guy he was, had invited him into his home to help. He opened his door to family in need, and it ended in a way no one could have predicted.
What Most People Get Wrong About Success
People look at Ron Acosta Las Palapas and see a franchise. They see a logo. But the real lesson here is about the "San Antonio way" of doing business. It’s about being "kind, God-fearing, and hardworking," as his friends described him.
He didn't seek the spotlight. He just served food and helped people.
Lessons from the Acosta Model
- Values over Volume: Closing on Sundays didn't kill his business; it built loyalty.
- Generosity as a Metric: If you’re not giving back to the city that feeds you, are you even successful?
- Consistency: Whether it was 1981 or 2025, the brand stayed true to its Tex-Mex roots.
Moving Forward and Honoring a Legend
The legal proceedings regarding the 2025 incident are ongoing, with the Acosta family recently speaking out about bail amounts and the need for justice. It’s a messy, painful chapter for a family that has given so much to South Texas.
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But if you want to actually honor what Ron built, it’s not just about reading the news. It’s about recognizing the human element in the businesses we frequent every day.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Support Local Philanthropy: Ron was huge on the 100 Club of San Antonio. Consider a donation or just learn about their mission to support first responders.
- Visit the Original Roots: Head to a Las Palapas (the Blanco Road or West Avenue spots carry a lot of history) and appreciate the work that goes into a "simple" breakfast taco.
- Prioritize People: If you’re a business owner or leader, look at the "Sunday rule." Maybe you don't close your doors, but finding ways to give your team their life back is the ultimate Ron Acosta move.
The sign might say Las Palapas, but for those who knew the history, it’ll always be Ron’s place.