{"id":62104,"date":"2025-11-23T22:58:07","date_gmt":"2025-11-23T22:58:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/62104\/"},"modified":"2025-11-23T22:58:07","modified_gmt":"2025-11-23T22:58:07","slug":"fiesta-icon-mr-chicken-dies-from-cancer-family-shares","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/62104\/","title":{"rendered":"Fiesta icon \u2018Mr. Chicken\u2019 dies from cancer, family shares"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>J.J. Gonzales was known for serving up the iconic chicken on a stick during A Night in Old San Antonio<\/p>\n<p>FILE &#8211; Fiesta icon J.J. Gonzales, also known as \u201cMr. Chicken&#8221; during an interview at NIOSA in April 2025. (Copyright 2025 by KSAT &#8211; All rights reserved.)<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">SAN ANTONIO \u2013 Fiesta icon J.J. Gonzales, also known as \u201cMr. Chicken,\u201d died early Sunday morning after a battle with cancer, his family told KSAT. <\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">Gonzales\u2019 daughter confirmed to KSAT that he died around 12:45 a.m. Sunday. <\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">Gonzales was known for his involvement with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ksat.com\/news\/local\/2025\/04\/22\/watch-opening-day-of-niosa-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.ksat.com\/news\/local\/2025\/04\/22\/watch-opening-day-of-niosa-2025\/\">A Night in Old San Antonio<\/a>. He would serve up San Antonio\u2019s iconic chicken on a stick, a longtime favorite among attendees.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">In a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ksat.com\/video\/news\/2025\/04\/24\/mr-chicken-talks-about-the-perfect-chicken-on-a-stick-where-sales-proceeds-go\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.ksat.com\/video\/news\/2025\/04\/24\/mr-chicken-talks-about-the-perfect-chicken-on-a-stick-where-sales-proceeds-go\/\">previous interview with KSAT<\/a>, Gonzales explained that everyone who works for the event does so as a volunteer, and all proceeds support the Conservation Society of San Antonio.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 bYFsJw cuqaEv article-text\">\u201cWe give of our time, and I know that\u2019s me. I can only speak for myself but that\u2019s my way of giving back to San Antonio,\u201d Gonzales previously told KSAT. \u201cI love my city.\u201d <\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 nALdY copyright\">Copyright 2025 by KSAT &#8211; All rights reserved.<\/p>\n<p>About the AuthorsAndrea K. Moreno headshot<a class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__LinkBase-sc-1fnzlkn-9 eUojqd gMnWPT\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ksat.com\/team\/AKMRTERDGDRGRG9675GIKFG4TB\/\" title=\"View Andrea K. Moreno&#039;s full profile\" itemprop=\"url\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Andrea K. Moreno<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 gnunoy bOlrXa\">Andrea K. Moreno is a Digital Journalist at KSAT. She graduated from Texas State University with an electronic media degree and a minor in psychology. She also attended San Antonio College, where she held several positions at The Ranger, now known as The Sundial, for three years. <\/p>\n<p>Ernie Zuniga headshot<a class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__LinkBase-sc-1fnzlkn-9 eUojqd gMnWPT\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ksat.com\/team\/EZ51NVBPNNWVLO904BVAKIENFE\/\" title=\"View Ernie Zuniga&#039;s full profile\" itemprop=\"url\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ernie Zuniga<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 gnunoy bOlrXa\">Ernie Zuniga is a veteran TV and media personality in San Antonio and is an anchor\/reporter at KSAT. <\/p>\n<p>Holiday night kayaking on the San Antonio River <\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:48<\/p>\n<p>Holiday night kayaking on the San Antonio River Video from North Side raid shows FBI arresting more than 150 people, destroying surveillance camera<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:58<\/p>\n<p>Video from North Side raid shows FBI arresting more than 150 people, destroying surveillance cameraNew mural on South Side celebrates San Antonio\u2019s rich cultural heritage<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:23<\/p>\n<p>New mural on South Side celebrates San Antonio\u2019s rich cultural heritageDevin Vassell surprises children at the Boys &amp; Girls Club<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:37<\/p>\n<p>Devin Vassell surprises children at the Boys &amp; Girls ClubSan Antonio nonprofit helps meet students\u2019 need for new underwear<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:07<\/p>\n<p>San Antonio nonprofit helps meet students\u2019 need for new underwearSAPD: Officers searched around 30 minutes for woman who crashed into creek<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:50<\/p>\n<p>SAPD: Officers searched around 30 minutes for woman who crashed into creekHill Country floods leave Kerr County businesses struggling to rebuild months later<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:29<\/p>\n<p>Hill Country floods leave Kerr County businesses struggling to rebuild months later\ud83c\udf38\u2728  Illuminate returns to San Antonio Botanical Garden \u2728\ud83c\udf3a<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:04<\/p>\n<p>\ud83c\udf38\u2728  Illuminate returns to San Antonio Botanical Garden \u2728\ud83c\udf3aViral TikTok shows woman pepper-spraying River Walk barge riders<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:34<\/p>\n<p>Viral TikTok shows woman pepper-spraying River Walk barge ridersFamily seeking answers after finding mother in creek more than 24 hours after fatal South Side crash<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:13<\/p>\n<p>Family seeking answers after finding mother in creek more than 24 hours after fatal South Side crashMayor Jones refuses multiple times to publicly back SAPD Chief William McManus<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:30<\/p>\n<p>Mayor Jones refuses multiple times to publicly back SAPD Chief William McManusA tale of 2 households: What is a K shape economy? <\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:15<\/p>\n<p>A tale of 2 households: What is a K shape economy? Gas prices to expect during Thanksgiving<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:15<\/p>\n<p>Gas prices to expect during ThanksgivingNew study find fluoride in drinking water may not affect cognitive ability <\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:20<\/p>\n<p>New study find fluoride in drinking water may not affect cognitive ability Unprecedented security measures for Mayor Jones as SAPD officers ordered to guard her home overnight<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:22<\/p>\n<p>Unprecedented security measures for Mayor Jones as SAPD officers ordered to guard her home overnightAuthorities recover body after apparent rollover on South Side, SAFD says<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:53<\/p>\n<p>Authorities recover body after apparent rollover on South Side, SAFD says\ud83c\udf84 See Millions of lights at SeaWorld San Antonio&#8217;s Christmas Celebration!\u2728<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:41<\/p>\n<p>\ud83c\udf84 See Millions of lights at SeaWorld San Antonio&#8217;s Christmas Celebration!\u2728Get a look inside Bill Miller Bar-B-Q\u2019s new West Side headquarters<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:21<\/p>\n<p>Get a look inside Bill Miller Bar-B-Q\u2019s new West Side headquarters1-on-1 with Spurs rookie Carter Bryant<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:18<\/p>\n<p>1-on-1 with Spurs rookie Carter BryantStorm chances for Nov. 19 and 20<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:40<\/p>\n<p>Storm chances for Nov. 19 and 20Erik Cantu found guilty for violating previous probation terms, avoids jail time<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:14<\/p>\n<p>Erik Cantu found guilty for violating previous probation terms, avoids jail timeUniversal City police seeking vehicle involved in September hit-and-run<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:23<\/p>\n<p>Universal City police seeking vehicle involved in September hit-and-runWhat to know about getting to the Mexico vs Paraguay game on Tuesday night <\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 0:55<\/p>\n<p>What to know about getting to the Mexico vs Paraguay game on Tuesday night Some San Antonians hiring helpers to install Christmas lights <\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:33<\/p>\n<p>Some San Antonians hiring helpers to install Christmas lights Meza Gonzalez DWI case reset; councilwoman won\u2019t say if she plans to fight charge or seek a deal<\/p>\n<p class=\"dist__Box-sc-1fnzlkn-0 dist__TextBase-sc-1fnzlkn-3 kSMyDq jdBbpv\">\u25b6 1:04<\/p>\n<p>Meza Gonzalez DWI case reset; councilwoman won\u2019t say if she plans to fight charge or seek a dealPrevious photoNext photo<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"J.J. Gonzales was known for serving up the iconic chicken on a stick during A Night in Old&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":62105,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[7185,6946,82,84,83],"class_list":["post-62104","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-san-antonio","tag-fiesta","tag-obituaries","tag-san-antonio","tag-san-antonio-headlines","tag-san-antonio-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62104","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=62104"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62104\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/62105"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62104"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=62104"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=62104"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}