Shocking Arby’s Scandal: Oklahoma Manager Accused of Spitting in Customer’s Food

While residents of Oklahoma are often preoccupied with the unpredictable Tulsa weather and the sudden shifts of the plains, a story has emerged from McCurtain County that is far more disturbing than any storm. What began as a routine late-night meal has turned into a legal and medical nightmare for one local woman and her entire family.

A Fast Food Nightmare in Broken Bow

Jennica Church, a local bartender, thought she was simply grabbing a quick bite to eat at an Arby’s in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, after a long shift. However, the service was slower than usual. Church noted that the staff seemed agitated, possibly because the restaurant was nearing its closing time. At the time, she had a minor history with the manager, Amanda Hendricks, but nothing she believed would lead to a criminal act.

After taking the sandwiches home and sharing them with her father-in-law and grandmother-in-law, the situation took a dark turn. Shortly after the meal, Church experienced unusual oral flare-ups—something she had never dealt with before. A medical diagnosis soon confirmed her worst fear: she had contracted herpes.

The Evidence: Caught on Camera

In a small town where news travels fast, rumors began to circulate. Church’s daughter reported that Hendricks had been openly bragging about spitting in the customer’s food. This tip led the Broken Bow police to investigate.

According to the official affidavit, investigators recovered surveillance footage from the Arby’s location. The cameras reportedly captured the shocking moment Hendricks spat into the food before it was served to Church. As a result, Hendricks now faces a felony charge of poisoning with intent to injure, and a warrant for her arrest has been issued.

A Lawsuit Against Corporate Culture

The trauma didn’t end with the diagnosis. Church and her family have filed a comprehensive lawsuit against Hendricks, the Arby’s franchise, and the affiliated restaurant groups. The suit alleges extreme anxiety, emotional distress, and a pervasive fear of infection.

Attorney Will Blocker, representing the family, expressed disbelief not only at the manager’s actions but at the silence of the other employees. “They let it go all the way out the door,” Blocker stated, suggesting that this may not be an isolated incident of a “rogue employee,” but rather a systemic culture issue within the food safety protocols of the larger restaurant group.

The Lasting Impact on a Family

The incident has left a scar on the entire household. Patricia Dollarhite, Church’s mother-in-law, shared the heartbreaking reality of the situation. Because her son also ate the contaminated food, the family now lives in fear of asymptomatic transmission, affecting the simplest acts of affection between spouses and grandchildren.

Key Details of the Case:

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• Defendant: Amanda Hendricks (Former Arby’s Manager).
• Charge: Felony poisoning with intent to injure.
• Evidence: Surveillance footage and witness testimonies.
• Impact: Lawsuit filed for emotional distress and health damages.

This case serves as a grim reminder of the importance of employee accountability and the critical nature of hygiene in the service industry. For more information on foodborne illnesses and health safety, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).