Stephen J. Brown

In Loving Memory of

Steve Brown

1960 – 2025

Stephen J. Brown of Coppell, TX passed away suddenly and peacefully at home on the morning of June

28, 2025. He was 65 years old. Steve is survived by his siblings: Mary Ellen Zboril (Tim), Paul Brown,

Michael Brown (Stacey), Dan Brown (Kathy), and Eileen Wolfe (Jon); his nieces and nephews: Adrienne

Hildebrandt, Robert Zboril, Blakeley Brown, Jacob Brown, Josiah Brown, Caroline Wolfe, Meredith

Wolfe, Curtis Wolfe, and Benjamin Wolfe; and great niece & nephew Michelle Vytopil and Ethan Vytopil.

Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife Denise, his parents James and Yvonne Brown, and his

brother Mark Brown.

Born in Anaheim, California and raised in Richardson, Texas, Steve treasured many lifelong friendships

especially with those who graduated Richardson High School alongside him. At age 25, with a little help

and a lot of courage, Steve opened Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicana in Grapevine, Texas in 1985. For 40

years Steve devoted his life to growing Esparza’s into a thriving business providing employment and

advancement opportunities to hundreds of people in and around Grapevine. He loved creating a place

where families and friends could gather to celebrate and share a uniquely Texas restaurant experience

with visitors.

Hard work, an unyielding drive to succeed, and a deeply generous heart earned Steve many community

and business accolades. Steve was active with the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce since his restaurant

opened, serving as Chairman in 2019 and was named as the D.E. Box Citizen of the Year in 2021. He

began serving on the Grapevine Chamber Foundation in 2021 and continued to serve until his death.

Esparza’s entered the Business Hall of Fame in 2011 and was named Member of the Year in 2018.

Steve's inspiring personal story motivated others to start their own small businesses and he was dedicated

to contributing to the growth of the City of Grapevine. Steve was committed to providing a livelihood

for his employees, many of whom remained working at Steve’s side for decades. He had a quiet,

nurturing approach to customer service and was always touched to hear stories about how Esparza’s

was a part of his customers’ family birthdays and holiday traditions.

Steve was a Dallas Cowboys season ticket holder for 30 years. He traveled to regular season road games,

play-off road games, and three Super Bowls. Often he went with his brothers and other family members. In

fact, Steve and Denise’s first date was a Cowboys game.

Steve married Denise Alston in 2004. Together, they found joy in attending sporting events, traveling,

and hosting gatherings of friends and family. Denise’s sudden passing in 2023 left a void in

Steve’s heart. He missed her every day. She was a great support to Steve as they navigated life. We will

remember Steve’s love for his family, his country, his work, and his cars.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice. During his lifetime, these two

charities were close to Steve’s heart:

Grapevine-Colleyville Education Foundation

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GRACE (www.gracegrapevine.com)