A Kansas mother expressed outrage after a restaurant owner allegedly kissed her two-year-old daughter on the cheek and then blew out the child’s birthday candle during a party last week. The incident occurred at Stearman Bar & Grill, and the mother, Cassie Berrios, 23, shared her account on Facebook, accompanied by a video of the event.
Alleged Unwanted Kiss and Confrontation
According to Berrios’s Facebook post, John Arnold, identified as an ‘equity holder’ at the restaurant, approached her daughter while the family was celebrating her second birthday. Berrios stated that Arnold put his arm around the toddler, called her beautiful, and attempted to kiss her on the lips. Although the child turned her head, Berrios reported that Arnold kissed her on the cheek, very close to her mouth.
In the video shared by Berrios, a relative is seen wiping the child’s cheek immediately after the alleged kiss. Berrios then confronted Arnold, telling him not to kiss other people’s children. She claims Arnold responded by ignoring her request and attempting to touch the child again, but she intervened to protect her daughter. Berrios further alleged that Arnold then told her to ‘go f*** myself.’
Following this verbal exchange, Arnold reportedly left the establishment with another woman who had witnessed the encounter but allegedly did not intervene. Berrios suggested that Arnold appeared to be intoxicated, though she stated that staff informed her he had not consumed excessive alcohol.
Restaurant’s Response and Owner’s Background
The mother expressed her dismay that the restaurant staff did not seem surprised by Arnold’s actions and quickly identified him as the owner of Stearman Restaurant. Reports indicate that John Arnold is also believed to be the chief operating officer of A&M Management Group, a company that operates several dining establishments in the Wichita area, including Stearman Airfield, Deano’s Grill & Tapworks, Oak & Pie, Deano’s on Pier 37, and Morgan’s Steakhouse.
A&M Management Group issued a statement on Facebook acknowledging an ‘unpleasant interaction’ on Friday, August 28th, at Stearman Bar & Grill involving one of their equity holders and a guest. The company emphasized that the safety and satisfaction of their customers are their highest priorities and that they are implementing measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The statement further read, ‘Our team strives to be a part of the community that provides good food & service at reasonable pricing every day. Please be assured that the actions of one individual are not a reflection of the goodwill and hospitality of our other 400 incredible employees.’ The company did not offer specific details about the actions taken but assured guests of their commitment to a positive dining experience.
Community Reaction and Legal Implications
The incident has sparked discussion online regarding personal boundaries, especially concerning children, and the conduct expected from business owners and operators. Many parents have voiced support for Berrios’s reaction, emphasizing the importance of parental consent and the protection of children from unwanted physical contact.
While the restaurant has issued an apology and stated they are taking steps to address the situation, it remains unclear what further actions, if any, will be taken regarding John Arnold’s role within the company or potential legal ramifications. The mother’s decision to share the video and her account publicly has brought attention to the incident, prompting a broader conversation about accountability and respect in public spaces.
Preventing Future Incidents
Experts in child safety and etiquette often stress the importance of obtaining parental permission before engaging in physical contact with a child, even seemingly innocuous gestures like a kiss. For business owners and employees, maintaining professional conduct and respecting personal boundaries is paramount, particularly when interacting with customers and their families.
The response from A&M Management Group suggests an internal review and policy reinforcement are underway. The company’s commitment to its other employees and the broader community implies a desire to rectify the situation and rebuild trust. The incident serves as a stark reminder for all establishments to ensure their staff, including equity holders and management, are trained on appropriate customer interaction and child safety protocols.
Conclusion
The incident at Stearman Bar & Grill highlights a significant breach of trust and personal space, leaving a mother deeply concerned for her child’s well-being. While the restaurant has acknowledged the event and promised corrective actions, the full resolution and impact on the individuals involved and the business remain to be seen. The mother’s public sharing of the event underscores the growing awareness and intolerance for inappropriate behavior towards children in public settings.
