Man charged in robbing, beating of ‘Taco God’ in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — A Cedar Rapids man was charged this week in the robbing and beating of Ali Mason, known as the “Taco God” among Cedar Rapids foodies.

Jwan Trevelle Roush, 24, is charged with first-degree robbery, a Class B felony, and fourth-degree theft, a serious misdemeanor. He’s being held in the Linn County Jail on a $27,000 cash or surety bond.

A criminal complaint said Roush was identified on security video.

The video, the complaint said, shows Roush attacking Mason inside The Hype Bar & Grill, 1810 Sixth St. SW, on Dec. 5, striking Mason in the face, knocking him to the floor and continuing to beat him until Mason was unconscious.

Roush is accused of stealing $450 from Mason, smashing Mason’s cellphone against the wall, and returning to strike and kick Mason.

Mason was hospitalized with a fractured nose, cheekbone and orbital socket.

Mason opened The Hype in May 2021, giving him a brick-and-mortar front for the birria tacos he helped popularize in Cedar Rapids when he started selling them from home in May 2020.

Mason told The Gazette on Wednesday that he is no longer affiliated with the restaurant since he and business partner Rich Burdine parted ways.

Mason said he was robbed and beaten on the last day of the partnership — a decision made before the attack.

“I’m regrouping,” he told The Gazette “I have four broken bones in my face, but I’m alive, man. … They left me for dead.”

Mason said he has “a few new recipes” he’s considering as he heals and regroups.

Comments: (319) 398-8340; elijah.decious@thegazette.com