Carlos Rodriguez, Fuego Burger Owner, Injured in Assault by Customers
FORT WORTH, Texas – Carlos Rodriguez, beloved owner and chef of Fuego Burger, is recovering from serious injuries after being assaulted by two customers inside his restaurant on May 13. The altercation left him with two femur fractures and a torn MCL.
Rodriguez says the incident began when he asked a customer to remove a bottled drink brought in from outside—against Fuego Burger’s policy. The customer refused and began harassing others, prompting Rodriguez to ask them to leave. That’s when the situation escalated.
“One of them got upset, and I told them if you don’t like it, you can leave,” Rodriguez recalled. “I got a little too close, too fast, and one of the guys bumped me, and then he hit me.”
The suspects, identified as Nehemiah Green (24) and Dylan Heuermann (22), were later arrested by Fort Worth police for assault.
Rodriguez, who has operated Fuego Burger since 2009, now faces surgery with no health insurance. While he recovers slowly, his wife and son are keeping the restaurant running.
“I see my wife and my son working so many hours. It breaks my heart,” Rodriguez said.
With mounting medical needs, Rodriguez has launched an online fundraiser, already raising over $2,000. Supporters and longtime customers are rallying to help.
“It’s our chance to show him how much he’s appreciated,” said Miguel Bermudez, a regular customer.
Fuego Burger remains open, serving food and community—just as Rodriguez has done for years.
