Trae Apodaca, former owner of Café Central and owner of Apodaca Bail Bonds, dies at 55

April 24-- Apr. 24--Victor "Trae" Apodaca III, former owner of Downtown El Paso's Café Central and owner/operator of Apodaca Bail Bonds, died Tuesday. He was 55.

Apodoca died in an El Paso hospital after having complications during the weekend from heart surgery, which he had undergone about two weeks ago, said Arlene Jones, executive assistant at Apodaca Bonding, the company that's been in Apodaca's family for generations.

"We have lost a true gentleman, an icon to the restaurant industry and a legend in our community," said Leo Duran, owner of L&J Cafe in Central El Paso. "You could always count on him for guidance, and his wisdom and assistance."

A long list of friends, colleagues and family members mourned his loss in posts on Apodaca's Facebook page.

Apodaca bought Café Central in 1991, and operated it for 18 years before selling it in 2009, according to El Paso Times archives. The upscale restaurant became well-known in El Paso and nationally. A New York Times travel piece lavished praise on the restaurant in 2006.

"Food and wine was his passion," said Keith Mahar, an El Paso insurance broker and close friend of Apodaca.

"He was very giving. He would give you the shirt off his back," Mahar said. He also was a good father, who has three children, he said.

"He touched so many people," Mahar said.

He continued with his love of cooking and often brought dishes he cooked to the office, said Jones at Apodaca Bonding.

"He had a heart of gold. He was not just your boss; you became family" as one of his employees, Jones said.

Apodaca was married to Shirlyn Apodaca. His three children are Cristian Apodaca, Brandice Bradley, and Johnny Bowden, according to his obituary. He has a sister, Michelle "Missy" Apodaca, an Austin lawyer, and brother, Tom Apodaca, a former North Carolina state senator.

A "gathering service" will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, with a remembrance service at 5:30 p.m., at Martin Funeral Home West at 128 N. Resler Drive, in West El Paso. A "celebration of life service" will be 11 a.m. Friday at the same funeral home.

Some condolences on social media.

El Paso Times reporters Aaron Montes and Maria Cortes contributed to this story.

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