A routine wait-time update at a Chicago Chili’s turned into a brutal scene when a 19-year-old greeter said she was attacked by customers who did not want to wait for a table. Surveillance video and the worker’s account describe a group that left the restaurant, then came back and punched, kicked, and yanked hair from the hostess. The employee, identified as Brianna Drew, was left with bruises and emotional trauma while the Chicago police investigated.
Surveillance Shows Group Leaving, Then Coming Back Swinging
According to FOX 32 Chicago, the confrontation began at the Chili’s in Marshfield Plaza on the 1700 block of West 119th Street. A party listed in the host system as "Jay, party of six" reportedly grew unhappy after being told how long the wait would be. FOX 32 reports that surveillance footage appears to show the group walking out of the restaurant, then returning and attacking the greeter behind the host stand. Staff called police, but the assailants were gone by the time officers got there, the station said.
Greeter Describes Punches, Kicks, And Hair Ripped Out
Drew told FOX 32 Chicago that the trouble started after she informed the group, "it’s going to be another 30 minutes." She said the customers walked out and then later came back. "They are hitting me in my face, hitting me in my head. They are hitting me everywhere," she recounted, describing being punched, kicked, and having hair torn from her scalp. Drew, who said she is a single mother, told the station she simply followed the chain’s standard farewell script and did nothing to provoke the attack.
Police Probe Ongoing, Chain Not Responding Yet
As reported by The Independent, Chicago police have opened an investigation into the incident, and the restaurant chain had not immediately responded to requests for comment. The outlet notes that its account tracks with the surveillance footage and Drew’s description of what happened.
Other Recent Violence At Chicago Fast-Food Spots
In a separate high-profile case in August 2024, FOX Business reported that a man at a Chicago McDonald’s allegedly attacked three people with a hatchet-like weapon after demanding free food. Employees were injured in that incident, which fueled broader discussion about the dangers faced by front-line restaurant workers, particularly during busy shifts.
Victim Calling For Arrests As Detectives Work Leads
According to The Independent, Drew wants the people listed in the host system as "Jay, party of six" arrested and charged. Police say they are reviewing video and following leads as the investigation continues.
