A furious customer threw a container of soup in the face of the manager of Sol de Jalisco restaurant in Temple, Texas, after complaining that the soup was too hot.
The incident occurred on November 7, 2021, and was caught on a surveillance camera. According to the police, the customer threw the soup in the face of manager Jannelle Broland to get revenge for being served hot food.
The customer had already called to complain about the soup, which allegedly burned the top of the container used to deliver it. The manager tried to resolve the situation by offering a free replacement soup, but the customer refused and continued to curse at Broland.
“All she wanted to do was yell and cuss,” Broland said. “She called me names and the kitchen staff names. I told her, ‘Ma’am, I can still help you. All I’m asking is you do not yell and curse at me.’ She says, ‘Oh no, honey, you haven’t heard attitude yet, and I will talk to you any which way I f—ing want. I said, ‘No ma’am, you will not,’ and I hung up the phone.”
The customer called again and hung up when placed on hold, then returned to the restaurant to complain in person. Broland offered a refund or replacement for the soup, but the customer refused and continued to cause a disturbance. Broland warned the customer that she would call the police if she did not calm down. However, the customer threw the soup in Broland’s face and left the restaurant.
Broland was shocked by the attack, and the police are investigating the incident. Temple Police Deputy Chief Allen Teston stated that such behavior is not condoned and advised customers to remain civil until their issues are resolved. Although the soup was not super hot, Broland experienced pain from the spices.
“It really felt like I had just been pepper-sprayed. My eyes were burning. My nose was bleeding,” Broland said.
Restaurant managers need to have a variety of skills to deal with situations like these. Broland tried to resolve the customer’s complaint by offering a free replacement soup, but the customer refused and continued to curse at her. Although the incident was shocking and concerning, it highlights the importance of remaining civil when expressing dissatisfaction with service. The police are investigating the matter, and more information will be forthcoming.
Watch the surveillance video below:
Source: AWM