Carlos Alvarez, the Heartbeat of San Antonio’s Business and Philanthropy, Passes Away at 73
San Antonio – The city of San Antonio lost a remarkable figure, Carlos Alvarez, who gained nationwide recognition as a business and philanthropy icon. Alvarez, the force behind the introduction of Modelo, Corona, and Shiner beers to the U.S, departed at the age of 73. His passing was confirmed by the Gambrinus Company, which he founded in 1986. Saddened by the loss, Mayor Ron Nirenberg held a moment of silence during a City Council meeting on Wednesday.
Remembering an Icon
Born in Mexico City, Alvarez was no stranger to the beer industry. His father’s Corona distributorship in Acapulco provided a training ground, preparing him for the pivotal role he would later assume in the U.S. beer industry. After graduating from the Monterrey Institute of Technology with a degree in biochemical engineering, Alvarez joined Grupo Modelo and started exporting Mexican beer.
In 1981, Alvarez began his journey by selling Corona in Austin without a marketing budget. He won the hearts of local bars and restaurants, securing the first distribution deal. Over the next two decades, Alvarez successfully established Corona and Modelo as the leading beer import in the U.S. His leadership saw the birth and growth of Gambrinus Company in San Antonio in 1986, and the acquisition of the Spoetzl Brewery, producer of Shiner beer, in 1989.
A Legacy of Philanthropy
While Alvarez’s business acumen was remarkable, his generosity and contribution to San Antonio’s community were also unsurpassed. He and his wife, Malú, were known for their unflinching support for initiatives across the community, including contributions to the Texas Public Radio’s new headquarters along the San Pedro Creek.
Indeed, it was Alvarez’s aim to stimulate community conversations through TPR, seen in his donation worth $2 million, the largest single gift in TPR’s history. His belief in giving back to his community was also evinced by his contribution to support NPR and his service on its board.
The Alvarez couple’s gift of a staggering $20 million to the UTSA College of Business saw the school renamed in their honor. “Our students, many of whom—like me—are first-generation Mexican Americans,” Alvarez said in 2021, always connected his philanthropic efforts with his personal journey.
Alvarez’s life and achievements prove that the tale of an immigrant can be a powerful story of success. His remarkable journey is a testament to his love for San Antonio, a city he chose as home, where he built a thriving business and where he dedicated himself to philanthropy, making numerous lives better.