Axel Oliva, the 31‑year‑old co‑founder of San Antonio’s Leche de Tigre, has died. The restaurant announced his passing on Instagram; a public memorial has been scheduled in San Antonio.
Death and memorial
Leche de Tigre shared news of Oliva’s death on Instagram on Monday, saying: “It’s with heavy hearts we share that our brother Axel Oliva tragically passed away [Sunday]. We are taking time as a family and team to grieve. Leche de Tigre will be closed Tuesday through Thursday. We kindly ask for privacy as we process this loss.” The post was shared with the restaurant’s nearly 30,000 followers: instagram.com/p/DWiI4g-jdAT.
A memorial service is scheduled for April 2 and is open to the public beginning at 5 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary in San Antonio.
At this moment, the cause of death is not known.
Career and legacy
Oliva co‑founded Leche de Tigre in 2023 with his brothers Emil and Alec. The restaurant gained national attention in 2024 when it became one of the first establishments in San Antonio to earn Michelin recognition. Leche de Tigre, known for its Peruvian ceviche, remained on the Michelin Guide recommended list through 2026 and was also a 2025 James Beard Foundation finalist.
Born in Laredo, Texas, Oliva and his brothers reportedly spent childhood years in Peru. According to the San Antonio outlet Culture Map, Axel was a central figure in the restaurant’s front‑of‑house operation, known for his warm, familial welcome and for cultivating a loyal clientele.
Tributes and response
The restaurant’s Instagram announcement described the family and team taking time to grieve and asked for privacy as they process the loss. Leche de Tigre said it would close for several days following the announcement.
About the reporting
This account is based on reporting published March 31, 2026, and statements shared by Leche de Tigre on its Instagram account. Additional details have not been released.
Image Referance: https://www.mensjournal.com/news/co-founder-michelin-recognized-restaurant-dead-at-31