Weeks ago, an Arby’s employee was just trying to do her job when a “wrong” order got her allegedly attacked by a racist white customer. While the customer walked free, she faced major trouble for defending herself. Now, she’s ready to set the record straight.
The Arby’s on North Germantown Parkway in Memphis was paid a visit by police after the disturbing incident. Kendra Irvin tells FOX 13 the evening of Jan. 20, a white man walked in and ordered a roast beef sandwich. Irvin, having worked at the restaurant chain for three years, said she informed the customer there were two types of sandwiches and requested he specify which one. The man told her it didn’t matter which one, according to Irvin.
Though, upon receiving his order, FOX’s report says he became dissatisfied with his meal and accused the staff of making his order wrong. However, as much as Irvin tried to keep the peace, the customer turnt things all the way up.
“I was trying to explain to him like, ‘Sir, we can remake the sandwich if you want.’ He started cursing, and he threw something at me. Yes, I threw something back at him,” said Irvin.
In bystander footage of the incident, the customer in question is seen hopping over the counter and charging toward Irvin while spitting racial slurs. Irvin is seen equipped with a frying basket and a long spatula, yelling at the man to get out, per the video. Irvin told reporters the man continued throwing things at the staff until he eventually fled the scene.
Police made no arrests in the incident but did file an affidavit detailing what happened, the report says. On the other side of things, Irvin said she was fired from Arby’s the following week.
“They said I violated a policy. I guess I wasn’t supposed to protect myself. What would you have done if someone did that to you?” said Irvin to FOX 13.