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Restaurant owner Chris Madrid, 61, dies

Chris Madrid's death ruled natural due to hypertensive cardiomyopathy

SAN ANTONIO – Restaurant owner Chris Madrid, who redefined the burger for thousands of San Antonians, has died.

Madrid, 61, was found in his home early Sunday. The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Madrid's death as natural due to hypertensive cardiomyopathy.

Madrid opened his small burger restaurant in 1977 and watched it expand over the years.

His large and juicy burgers helped spur that growth as thousands of San Antonians made the pilgrimage to the restaurant on Blanco Road.

Gov. Rick Perry was one of Chris Madrid's most loyal customers, often stopping by during trips to San Antonio.

On Sunday night, dozens of customers, employees, and neighbors gathered outside the restaurant to share their memories of Madrid and to show support to his family.

"He was a great man, and I think everyone will remember him as a man of integrity that showed us how to run business here in town," said Rodolfo Andres Riojas, a longtime customer.

Carlos Madrid, Chris Madrid's brother, said they just lost recently lost their father and losing his brother now has been devastating on the entire family.

"He was an outstanding father, son, and brother," said Carlos Madrid. "He will be missed so much by all of us." Services for Chris Madrid are pending.