Thanin Viriyaki
Dos Mares, Adrian Burciaga
Adrian Burciaga and Rodrigo Cárdenas of Dos Mares
Adrian Burciaga, co-owner of Don Artemio, has announced his departure from the celebrated Mexican restaurant as well as the neighboring, yet-to-open seafood restaurant Dos Mares.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey — our dedicated teams, loyal guests, and the amazing Fort Worth community that has supported us from day one,” Burciaga wrote in an Oct. 8 Facebook post. “Together, we built something truly special that celebrates culture, tradition, and hospitality.”
This announcement comes three months after Burciaga revealed he would be stepping down as manager of the restaurant but made clear his plans to remain a co-owner.
Burciaga’s involvement with Don Artemio dates to the summer of 2016, when he and chef Juan Ramón Cárdenas began developing the concept that would eventually become one of Fort Worth’s most talked-about restaurants. After years of careful planning, the Fort Worth location opened its doors on March 23, 2022, offering a polished, upscale Mexican dining experience rooted in the traditions of Northeastern Mexico.
Both hailing from Saltillo, Mexico, Burciaga and Cárdenas brought not just recipes but also the spirit of their hometown. Materials for the restaurant’s design and décor were imported directly from Saltillo, immersing guests in a cultural experience as much as a culinary one. From the start, Don Artemio emphasized storytelling and hospitality — staff were trained to share the origins of each dish and the cultural significance behind it, creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and educational.
Less than a year after opening, Don Artemio earned national attention, becoming a semifinalist — and later named one of 10 finalists — for the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in early 2023. Burciaga called the recognition deeply humbling, giving a broader awareness to Fort Worth’s growing dining scene.
In his farewell message, Burciaga reflected on the personal side of the journey: the support of his family, the dedication of his team, and the relationships built with countless guests.
“This chapter has been one of the most meaningful and beautiful experiences of my life,” he wrote. “I am deeply grateful for every moment, for every lesson, and for every person who has shared incredible experiences with us.”
He also thanked his family for their love and support, which he said made his culinary journey “unforgettable.”
“To my extraordinary team at Don Artemio — thank you for your dedication, your talent, and for believing in the dream we brought to life together,” Burciaga continued. “I will always be proud of what we built side by side, and I look forward to continuing to support you as your friend. And to every guest who walked through our doors — thank you for allowing me to share our culture, our food, and our story with you and your loved ones.”
Burciaga concluded by noting that his journey in hospitality continues with renewed inspiration, “guided by gratitude, purpose, and the desire to keep creating experiences that bring people together through culture and genuine connection.”
With Burciaga stepping away, Don Artemio’s story enters a new chapter, but its impact on Fort Worth’s culinary scene remains undeniable.
