Jack in the Box faced criticism in early October 2026 over a water-spraying system and an anti-loitering recording outside a restaurant on C Street in downtown San Diego. ABC 10News reporter Michael Chen described witnessing water falling near the restaurant while reporting on another story. Residents said the system operated at several locations around the building, with repeated spray cycles. People experiencing homelessness and other members of the public reported being soaked, raising concerns about how the restaurant treated people gathered outside.
Customer Brandi James said water hit her and her electric bicycle after she purchased breakfast. She attributed subsequent problems with the bicycle to the soaking. Donica McArthur also reported being drenched without adequate warning and questioned the risks to older people and people using mobility aids. These accounts were allegations reported by the station; the available coverage did not establish an independent finding about property damage or a legal violation.
Scripps News reported that the spray was accompanied by a recorded message instructing people to leave the drive-through area. A company spokesperson responded that the recording lacked corporate approval, conflicted with company standards, and had been disabled. The company described the water equipment as an automatic pavement-cleaning system and disputed that it was positioned to affect guests or pedestrians. It also emphasized respect for people experiencing homelessness and its commitment to comfortable, safe restaurants.
The response addressed the recording and the water equipment differently: it announced a change to the audio while defending the water system’s purpose. It did not explicitly apologize, accept responsibility for reported soakings, or announce compensation. The quoted statement did not say that the water system had been shut off.
Key Apologia Strategies:
Denial, Corrective Action, Bolstering
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Transcript
Jack in the Box spokesperson’s written statement (October 6, 2026):
“Like many Jack in the Box restaurants, this location uses an audio-based device to help maintain a safe, clean and comfortable environment for guests and employees. The voice recording used in this instance does not reflect Jack in the Box’s brand standards or values and was not approved by Jack in the Box. It has been immediately disabled.
The water system mentioned is a ground-surface cleaning mechanism that automatically cleans the ground area in between routine pressure washing. It is not positioned to interfere with guests or passers by.
We recognize the importance of treating everyone in the communities we serve, including people experiencing homelessness, with dignity and respect. Our goal is to support measures that keep the neighborhood peaceful, the restaurant clean and safe, and our guests and employees comfortable.”
