Today, like a normal day, his family respected his wishes and opened for business. We stopped by this morning and found that the man we called Dario was more than just a baker - he was a fast food institution.

Sahar Vasquez reporting
This weekend, legend Dario Hernandez died. Hernandez is the founder and creator of the deliciously famous Dario Meat Pie. His meat pies are revered not just in Belize but all over the world. Relatives often take up containers filled with his pies for loved ones that miss that piping hot meat pie.

Hernandez has been selling meat pies since the early seventies. He started out as a small business and eventually grew into a massive one that sells thousands of pies every day.

Dario Hernandez was a man that shunned the spotlight. But he did not shun his customers. Hernandez was more than just a baker, to them he was a friend.

Frank Usher, Customer/Friend
"I know Mr. Dario from I was a little boy and he sells the best meat pie in Belize as far as I could remember and he also bought land right beside mine in Hattieville so I got to know him much better."

"He was a very kind and loving man. I will always remember him and he was hardworking too."

Sahar Vasquez, reporter
"When you heard the news what was your reaction?"

Voice of Customer
"Sad, when I saw it on the TV I got emotional. I knew him in person. He was a nice guy."

"His meat pies will live on forever. Yes, I will and I buy and take to the states with me."

Sahar Vasquez
"Sir tell me how long have you been buying Darios for?"

Armin Zaldivar, Customer/Friend
"Over 20 years."

Sahar Vasquez
"Did you meet me? Dario, did you know him?"

Armin Zaldivar
"Yes, I did know him?"

Sahar Vasquez
"What kind of guy was he?"

Armin Zaldivar
"Straightforward, straightforward is the best way to describe him."

Sahar Vasquez
"What will you miss the most about him?"

Armin Zaldivar
"His character."

Sahar Vasquez
"Sir how long have you been buying Darios for?"

Shane Pascassio, Customer
"For over nine or ten years. Every time for breakfast I come and get my Darios. This is my daily stop right here."

Sahar Vasquez
"What do you love so much about Darios?"

Shane Pascassio
"It is just different. It does not taste like the other ones that have too much seasoning. It is nice and settled."

Sahar Vasquez
"How long have you been buying Darios for?"

Phillip Lins, Customer/Co-worker
"From I am small. I know Mr. Dario from the time he was a little boy."

Sahar Vasquez
"Wow, so you have known him since he was a little kid?"

Phillip Lins
"Yea from I am small, I know him. I used to work with him. I would clean pans for him."

"I used to have a cart that I would back firewood for him because those times he used to be on Douglas Jones Street."

"I know him more than 50 years so you could imagine."

John Flowers, Customer/CO-worker
"He was very upfront straight up boss man. He will be missed. He showed us principles. He stood upright for efficiency."

"Very nice guy. You could tell him anything and he would find a method to resolve your problem and comfort you. He brought a lot of joy in people's life."

Dario Hernandez may be gone but his legacy will live on in his nationally known brand, and his creation, those mouth-watering meat pies.

Dario Hernandez was 79 years old. Respecting his preference for privacy, his family did not want to discuss his cause of death.