An employee at Wokcano, an Asian restaurant in Los Angeles, was brutally attacked by a customer who became enraged because he felt that the workers were taking too long to bring out his food. Kevin Oxlaj, a busser and host at the restaurant, stood up for his pregnant coworker when the customer began shouting at her on May 19. After apologizing for the delay, the man returned to confront Oxlaj and ended up striking the employee, causing him to fall backward. Despite Oxlaj pushing the man back, the customer continued to attack him as another customer tried to break up the fight. Oxlaj suffered injuries to his ear and face as a result of the attack and remains out of work as he recovers.
Oxlaj, who has a tube in his ear to help drain excess fluid from his brain, expressed fear that he could have been killed during the attack. The traumatic incident has left him with pain and difficulty sleeping as he recovers from the injuries sustained in the altercation. Despite the attack, the unidentified customer has not been arrested and has returned to the restaurant multiple times, looking for Oxlaj. The employee’s mother, Isabel Hernández, expressed fear for her son’s safety and her own due to the customer’s threats. Oxlaj shared his concern, stating that he is scared to return to work in downtown LA because of the customer’s words and actions.
The incident at Wokcano is not an isolated one, as similar violent confrontations have occurred in various restaurants, including a fatal shooting at a McDonald’s in Houston. Attorney Jeffrey Limmer was killed by Anthony Martin Landry after an argument over an order led to a request for a refund. Limmer intervened, and the situation escalated, resulting in Landry shooting the attorney outside in the parking lot. The tragic event highlights the risks that restaurant workers face when dealing with irate customers and the potentially fatal consequences that can result from these confrontations.
The attack on Oxlaj has brought attention to the issue of workplace safety for restaurant employees and the need for better protection against violent customers. Incidents of verbal and physical abuse towards restaurant staff have been on the rise, leading to concerns about the well-being of those working in the industry. In response to the attack, Oxlaj and his coworkers have received an outpouring of support from the community and are calling for justice for the violent assault that he endured. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that employees in the service industry face and the importance of ensuring their safety in the workplace.
The impact of the attack on Oxlaj extends beyond the physical injuries he suffered, as the emotional and psychological toll of the assault has left him traumatized and fearful for his safety. The unresolved nature of the situation, with the perpetrator remaining at large and returning to the scene of the attack, has heightened the anxiety and concern for Oxlaj and his coworkers. The need for accountability and justice in cases of violence against restaurant workers is a crucial aspect of ensuring their safety and well-being as they continue to serve the public. The incident at Wokcano serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that employees in the service industry face and the urgent need for measures to protect their rights and ensure a safe working environment for all.
