An Arby’s employee in Tennessee claims she was terminated after using a butcher knife and a fry basket to defend herself against an irate customer who jumped over the counter to confront her about a wrong order.

The incident occurred on February 4, 2025, at an Arby’s location in Nashville. 

According to the employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, the customer became enraged upon receiving an incorrect order and leaped over the counter, advancing toward her, FOX 13 reports.

In self-defense, she grabbed a butcher knife and a fry basket to protect herself.

“I was terrified,” the employee stated. “He was shouting and coming at me. I had no choice but to defend myself.”

“He went and pushed me down, not by my chest but by my face. He pushed me down by my face. I fell to the ground. As you can see, I had the knife and fry basket in my hand because I was defending myself,” Irvin said. 

After the confrontation, the customer left the premises without further incident. The employee reported the event to her manager and was subsequently informed of her termination.

An Arby’s spokesperson confirmed the termination, stating, “We have a strict policy against employees using weapons or objects as weapons in the workplace. This policy is in place to ensure the safety of both our staff and customers.”

The employee expressed her disappointment with the company’s decision. “I was just trying to protect myself,” she said. “I never thought defending myself would cost me my job.”

The employee is considering legal action against Arby’s, seeking compensation for lost wages and potential damages. She has also reached out to local labor rights organizations for support and guidance.

#Clique, how would you have handled him?