Benson “BJ” Vivares Obituary, Houston TX: Sticky’s Chicken Restaurateur and Trill Burgers Co-Founder Dies at 41
Benson “BJ” Vivares, a Houston-area restaurateur known for helping build Sticky’s Chicken and the Trill Burgers restaurant concept, has died. His family confirmed his death Thursday, with his sister, Patsy Vivares, sharing a brief tribute expressing her love for her brother.
Vivares lived in Pearland and was a graduate of Pearland High School. Before entering the restaurant business, he worked as a mail carrier.
In 2014, Benson and his sister opened Sticky’s Chicken from a converted FedEx truck. The business grew from its early beginnings into a permanent location at Sawyer Yards in Houston, where the family’s signature chicken and sauce developed a loyal following.
The siblings later became involved in the creation of Trill Burgers. In 2021, they began developing a smashburger concept with Andy Nguyen and subsequently connected with rapper Bun B and Nick Scurfield. The group ultimately established Trill Burgers as a separate restaurant brand.
Benson’s restaurant career was accompanied by a lengthy legal dispute involving ownership of the Trill Burgers concept. The dispute went to arbitration, with a ruling issued in December 2025 against Benson and his sister. Litigation concerning that ruling remained pending when Benson died.
His death marks a loss for the Houston restaurant community and for the family members, friends and colleagues who knew him.
Benson’s family has not publicly disclosed a cause of death in the information provided. Funeral or memorial arrangements had also not been announced.
For those who knew Benson, his legacy extends beyond the legal dispute. He was part of a family business built from a simple food-truck operation into recognizable Houston restaurant ventures. His work with his sister and their family helped establish a lasting presence in the city’s food scene.
Benson “BJ” Vivares will be mourned by his family, friends and members of Houston’s culinary community. His loved ones are now remembering the man behind the businesses and the years he spent building his career in Houston.
