Salsa Kingpin Hired Motorcycle Gang Member To Burn Down Failing Restaurant: DOJ

FRESNO, CA — A Central California restaurateur and purveyor of salsas has been arrested and charged with arson after he hired a motorcycle gang member to set fire to an underperforming restaurant, authorities said.

Bobby Salazar, 63, is charged with arson of commercial property and arson in furtherance of a felony, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

A fire broke out on April 2, 2024, at a vacant Bobby Salazar’s restaurant on Blackstone Avenue in Fresno, authorities said, adding that partially burned gas cans were found inside the extensively damaged restaurant.

The blaze was set by the president of the local Screamin’ Demons Motorcycle Club, who Salazar hired to light the business on fire, according to the department, which said that Salazar claimed to his insurance company that he had nothing to do with the arson and was paid out $980,739.

Salazar was set to appear in court on Wednesday, authorities said, adding that if convicted, he would face five to 20 years in prison for commercial arson and 10 years for arson in furtherance of a felony.

There are five restaurants and an assortment of grocery store salsas that bear Salazar's name, according to bobbysalazar.com.