Gusto’s Burger Bar + More (A lot More for Fort Worth)

By Nisie

Smash burgers were almost unheard of in Fort Worth before Gusto’s Burger Bar hit the local restaurant scene with their deliciously inventive burger menu. From their classic Gusto’s burgers to their Chicken Nuggs, their customers rave about the unique tastes they have to offer. And, if Gusto’s isn’t serving up their classics, they are dishing out unique seasonal menu items like specialty hot dogs and drinks. Johnathan Arguello (the owner and operator of Gusto’s Burger Bar + More) has brought a fresh food concept to Fort Worth, and more than that, he brought a fresh take on the restaurant industry itself by investing in his staff and community. 

Gusto’s sets a progressive precedent by ensuring livable wages for its staff, including kitchen cooks and bartenders, proving that businesses can thrive while valuing their workers. For the cooks, they get a base pay of $15 an hour plus a tip share, bringing their average pay to $22 an hour. Traditionally, bartenders are paid only a little over $2 an hour plus tips, but at Gusto’s, their base pay is $7.50 an hour. This is a game-changer for those working in the service industry and could prompt other Fort Worth businesses to adopt the same pay model. Johnathan’s dedication to investing in his staff extends to the community around him.

                 Latino Hussle was founded by Jessika Guillen, but, like many businesses, COVID proved to be a major disruption. She would join forces with Johnathan and bring her unique market back to life! Jessika Guillen is just as community-minded as those at Gusto’s – a perfect recipe for shopping and food. On the second Friday of each month, Gusto’s hosts CUMBIA y mas CUMBIA nights with DJ Soy Capaz. In the first year of this collaboration, it has been a huge success for the restaurant and vendors. But of course, Johathon’s mission to further the Fort Worth community doesn’t stop there. 

                 In previous years, Gusto’s hosted “Noches de la Pasos" (Night of the Clowns) parties to highlight the Latino community in Fort Worth while raising money for surrounding non- profits. To raise the money, all sales of Mexican beer at the bar were donated to Amigos for Progress, allowing Gusto’s to donate between $200 and $350 on multiple occasions. Beyond those fund-raising efforts, Johnathan also lends his space to individuals starting a new business, politicians, and other nonprofits – most of the time at no cost for the space itself; all he asks is that they bring lots of people and “come have fun”. Also, every Christmas since Gusto’s has opened for business, they have collaborated with LULAC Council 4568 to raise money for the annual Tree de Hope program with a Karaoke with Pancho Claus party, bringing in at least $1000 in toy donations every Christmas season. Beyond its fundraising efforts for nonprofits, Gusto’s Burger Bar + More also sponsors a girls' youth softball team and a competitive baseball team. And just like the nonprofits, he hosts fundraisers at the restaurant for youth sports teams as well. 

                 In a short time, Gusto’s Burger Bar + More has made a major impact on the restaurant industry and the surrounding DFW community by demonstrating honest pay to the staff, collaborating with nonprofits, and giving a leg up to those just starting their business ventures. The future for Gusto’s is bright and might include a new dessert option on the menu! Coming soon to Gusto’s Burger Bar + More will be a funnel cake-and-churro fusion dessert – sounds delicious! And don’t forget every second Friday of the month is   CUMBIA y mas CUMBIA, where you can listen to amazing music by DJ Soy Capaz and shop at the Latino Hustle Night Market!