Bobby Salazar, a well-known San Joaquin Valley restaurant operator whose name is tied to a chain of half a dozen Mexican restaurants in the region and a popular locally sold salsa brand, has been arrested on federal arson charges, authorities said Monday.

Salazar, 63, is accused of hiring the president of the Screamin’ Demons Motorcycle Club to set fire to his vacant restaurant in Fresno on April 2, 2024. Fire investigators said the blaze was intentionally set after finding partially burned gas cans inside the building and extensive damage to the interior.

Court documents allege Salazar denied involvement in the fire and collected at least $980,739 from an insurance claim.

History of Bobby Salazar restaurants

Salazar has been a familiar figure in the Central Valley dining scene for dec

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