A Bobby Salazar’s franchise has rebranded, cutting ties with its namesake as Fresno businessman Bobby Salazar continues his legal battle.
The location on Champlain and Perrin in northeast Fresno is now “Mama Iguana’s,” operating under the same ownership as before: the Riofrio family.
“We opened in November 2001. We’ve been here for over 24 years. We don’t plan to go anywhere anytime soon. We just have a name change and we’re here to serve the community,” Mama Iguana’s owner, Suzie Riofrio said. “Mama Iguana’s just had a ring to it. Let’s go to Mama’s.”
Riofrio says the change has brought some trouble with name recognition, leading to lower sales, especially on food delivery apps, but they reassure customers that not much has changed.
“We have the same great staff and kitchen staff with high-quality, home-cooked food,” Riofrio stated.
Mama Iguana’s announced the rebrand in September and officially parted ways in November.
“We changed the name due to a mutual agreement to terminate our franchise with Bobby Salazar’s Mexican Restaurant,” Riofrio explained.
In the meantime, Bobby Salazar has been the center of a criminal lawsuit since August, accused of hiring a local motorcycle gang leader last year to torch one of his namesake restaurants on Blackstone in central Fresno.
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He received over $900,000 in insurance money following that fire.
We caught up with him ahead of his status hearing in September.
“Bobby, do you have anything to say about the accusations?” I asked Salazar.
“I’m innocent,” Salazar answered.
Salazar has pleaded not guilty to two arson-related felonies and firearms charges after investigators discovered several firearms at his home, including four with serial numbers removed and one ghost gun.
Bobby Salazar remains out of jail on bond.
He’s scheduled back in court toward the end of next month.
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