FORT WORTH, TEXAS – A beloved Fort Worth chef is recovering from serious injuries following a violent altercation inside his restaurant, Fuego Burger, that led to the arrest of two customers.
Carlos Rodriguez, owner and head chef, suffered two femur fractures and a torn MCL after he was attacked during a confrontation on May 13. As he continues to heal, Rodriguez is leaning on his community — and they’re responding with an outpouring of support.
The incident began when three men entered the restaurant, and one of them brought in a bottled drink — a violation of Fuego Burger’s no outside food policy. Rodriguez asked them to dispose of it. When they refused and began harassing other diners, he asked them to leave.
“One of them got upset, and I told them, ‘If you don’t like it, you can leave,’” Rodriguez said during an interview with FOX 4. “I got too close, too fast, and one guy bumped me into the other — and then he hit me.”
Suspects Arrested and Charged with Assault
Fort Worth police later arrested 24-year-old Nehemiah Green and 22-year-old Dylan Heuermann for their roles in the assault.
The injuries have left Rodriguez unable to walk without assistance. He now requires surgery, has no health insurance, and is relying heavily on his wife and son to manage the business operations.
“I see my wife and my son working so many hours. It just breaks my heart,” he said.
Community Steps In With Support
Longtime patrons are now helping Rodriguez through a GoFundMe campaign titled Support Chef Carlos’ Recovery Journey, which has already raised over $2,000.
“He’s the face of this place,” said customer Miguel Bermudez. “It feels like family here — great burgers, great people. Now it’s our turn to show him love.”
Rodriguez has run Fuego Burger since 2009, becoming a fixture in Fort Worth’s food scene. His story has now touched many who’ve never even dined at his restaurant — a reminder of the importance of small business owners in local communities.
Have you ever stepped in to help a local business owner during tough times? Share your story or support your neighbors at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
