GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Like most teenage boys, Kailand “Kai” Burri, 15, had one true love in his life: food.
Tacos, specifically. And not just any tacos, but Condado Tacos on Downtown Bridge Street.
The Mexican food chain, known for bold flavors and unique murals at each location painted by local artists, was Kai’s go-to joint.
And while most kids his age go to their favorite restaurants for their birthdays or after sports games, Condado Tacos held an especially close place in Kai’s heart.
Born with congenital heart and lung conditions, Kai spent much of his life in and out of hospitals for various surgeries and doctor’s visits.
After his appointments, tacos were what he asked for.
When he was put on hospice support in his final days, he had tacos for breakfast.
And when Kai’s friends and family gathered to celebrate his life on July 17, 2025, Condado Tacos catered his funeral.
Now, to honor Kai’s memory and love of tacos and art, Condado Tacos created a new mural for their downtown Grand Rapids location.
On Thursday, Sept. 25, Condado unveiled the mural following a celebration of Kai’s life and favorite food.
A ghost pepper named Kai with a fiery taco in hand and sharks by his side memorializes his love for adventure and zest for life, his parents Nick and Kelly said.
And right in the center: a larger-than-life heart with stitches down the middle, representing the scar “… that Kai was never ashamed of, instead he wore it as a badge of honor,” Kelly said.
Now, a piece of Kai lives on permanently in his favorite restaurant.
Friends and family overflowed Condado’s dining room as the mural, designed by Grand Rapids local Elliot Chaltry, was unveiled.
Kai was also passionate about improving lives for children and teens that spent as much time in hospitals as he did.
The unveiling served as a “dine and donate,” with a portion of sales going to West Michigan Therapy Dogs, Inc., a non-profit that provides canine companionship to healthcare facilities, educational and senior care organizations, and other locations throughout Grand Rapids’ five counties.
Nick and Kelly also coordinated a fundraiser to improve the prize table at the Helen Devos Children’s Hospital BINGO nights, an area Kai believed had much room for improvement.
In just one week leading up to what would’ve been Kai’s 16th birthday, they raised over $6,000 that went to toys, gift cards and art supplies that were all “Kai-approved.”
“He was always such a funny, loving, magnet of a guy,” Kelly said, “and that just helps us carry Kai’s spirit forward.”