A 40-year-old man named Juan Carlos Rivera has been arrested by Doral police after being accused of scamming at least five Sports Grill chain restaurants in Miami-Dade County. His tactic involved dining, drinking, and leaving without paying.
Rivera would appear at the restaurants sharply dressed, wearing a blazer and dark sunglasses. He would spend several hours at the bar indulging in expensive food and drinks, such as grilled special wings, mozzarella sticks, Space Dust beers, and Jameson whiskey cocktails. Afterward, he would request an order "for his wife" and leave under the guise of delivering it, never to return, according to Local 10.
Notorious Incident Highlights His Scheme
One of the most notable incidents took place on May 10 at the location on 5741 NW 87th Avenue, Doral, where his tab reached $260. Christine Marques, Sports Grill's operations director, stated, "He spent nearly four hours at the bar, unwinding, having a great time, drinking pricey liquors."
Security footage caught Rivera repeating this strategy at locations on Bird Road, Kendall, and other areas within Miami-Dade. "He ordered the same thing everywhere," Marques remarked.
Impact on the Business and New Precautions
Manager Ellen Fitzgerald expressed that the situation has deeply affected the company. Moving forward, credit cards will be required for placing orders, and internal surveillance will be intensified to prevent future frauds. "We like to think people are inherently good, and when something like this happens, it's sad," she commented.
Rivera's History of Similar Charges
This is not Rivera's first encounter with similar charges. In 2024, he was arrested after leaving an Outback Steakhouse on Miller Drive without paying, where he left a card with insufficient funds. During that incident, according to Local 10, he mocked the restaurant's slogan: "No rules, just right."
Currently, due to his recent actions, he faces charges of organized scheme to defraud and defrauding an innkeeper. The judge has ordered him held without bond, and authorities have also confirmed he had an active probation warrant from a 2019 armed robbery.
"Taking advantage of the local, neighborhood restaurant isn't right," Marques lamented.
Frequently Asked Questions about Restaurant Scams
What was Juan Carlos Rivera's method for scamming restaurants?
Rivera would dine at restaurants dressed well, spend hours consuming expensive food and drinks, then order an extra meal claiming it was for his wife before leaving without paying.
How did the restaurant chain respond to these incidents?
In response to the scams, the restaurant chain now requires credit cards for orders and has enhanced internal surveillance to deter future fraudulent activities.
Has Juan Carlos Rivera been involved in similar crimes before?
Yes, Rivera has a history of similar offenses, including a 2024 arrest for leaving an Outback Steakhouse without paying, and he has an active probation warrant for a 2019 armed robbery.