The Bobby Salazar's location at Champlain and Perrin avenues in northeast Fresno, owned by the Riofrio family for 24 years, is cutting ties as a franchise in light of Bobby Salazar's federal arson charges. Photo via BOBBY SALAZARS MEXICAN RESTAURANT - CHAMPLAIN/PERRIN Facebook page

The owner of a Bobby Salazar’s branded eatery in northeast Fresno plans to change the restaurant’s name. The move comes as Robert (Bobby) Salazar faces federal arson charges.

Suzie Riofrio, family owner of the Champlain and Perrin avenues location for 24 years, announced the change Sunday on the restaurant’s Facebook page. The Riofrio family will continue the business under the new name “Mama Iguana’s.”

Riofrio said sales had gone down and negative comments increased after news of the charges. “Bobby Salazar only owned a few locations and leased most others out to franchisees,” she noted in her post.

Salazar has been accused of paying someone from a motorcycle gang to set fire to the Blackstone location. The fire took place last year and Salazar was arrested in August of this year.

To distance her restaurant from the allegations, Riofrio emphasized her independence. She posted earlier this month: “I would like my customers to know that the ‘Champlain and Perrin’ location has never been owned nor operated by Robert ‘Bobby’ Salazar. I have been a sole Franchise owner at this location for 24 years with my own run business and employees. We are not aware of any activities associated with Mr. Salazar.”

The restaurant plans to delete its Bobby Salazar’s Facebook page and transition to Mama Iguana’s — promising the “same great food and long-time employees” — by Nov. 17.