Hundreds Turn Out To Support Texas Café Owner Burned In Grease Accident

July 26, 2026: J.B Royer was preparing a meal for a wedding reception on July 4 when the café owner accidentally spilled some scalding hot grease, lost his footing on the slippery slop, and suffered severe burns on his body.

The meal was intended for a couple who were married aboard a float in the holiday parade in Round Top, Texas, according to The Fayette County Record.

But the community’s attention immediately turned to the plight of the beloved and suddenly injured co-owner of Royer’s Round Top Café.

A fundraising dinner was held this past weekend at the Round Top Rifle Hall, with event coordinator Kathy Hutton hoping for 100 attendees to help offset medical expenses for J.B., who has been unable to work while undergoing extensive medical treatments. He co-owns the restaurant with his wife, Jamie.

“I lost count at about 460,” Hutton told The Banner Press, noting the final number was likely closer to 615.

*The community of Round Top, Texas turned out by the hundreds to support a local café owner injured in an accident involving scalding hot grease.*

Hutton had experienced the support of the community years earlier when her husband perished in a car crash.

Cafe Owner Had History of Generosity

She knew the Royers had always without hesitation shown generosity to others, so she wanted to hold a simple event to cover the couple’s utility bills. But the idea turned into a juggernaut, mobilizing the entire community.

Local businesses and volunteers came forward to donate food, beverages, labor, and time. A choir performed free of charge.

With all aspects of the fundraiser donated, the $10 entry fees and concession receipts will go directly to J.B.’s medical bills, rehab, and travel costs.

J.B. and Jamie have long supported local nonprofit organizations by holding fundraisers, earning accolades over the years for their dedication to uplifting neighbors and local initiatives, and for their business and community leadership.

“Every single person we reached out to, every single thing you see is underwritten,” Hutton said. “No one has said no. All they’ve said is, ‘How much? What do you need?’”

*Texas café owner J.B. Royer suffered severe burns from scalding hot grease in an accident on July 4.*

*One surgery down and one to go for Texas café owner J.B. Royer, who suffered severe burns in a July 4 cooking mishap with scalding hot grease.* *In a **social media post**, J.B.’s wife, Jamie, wrote:*

It’s clear we have a long road ahead, but if you know JB, you know he’s still smiling through the pain. ❤️🤘🏻

We ask that you continue to keep JB, our family, and his medical team in your thoughts and prayers as he begins this journey to recovery.

In true Royer’s fashion, our incredible team is holding down the fort and continuing to serve up the food and hospitality you know and love while JB heals.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for every prayer, message, and act of kindness. Your love and support mean more than we can put into words.

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For another story about the kindness of strangers, read about church members fanning out to fix up dozens of properties in their Pennsylvania community.