Restaurant owner kisses toddler at birthday party, mother confronts him
A mother says the equity owner of Steampunk Field Bar & Grill kissed her two-year-old daughter and blew out the birthday candle, prompting a heated exchange.
During a two-year-old's birthday party at Stearman Field Bar & Grill in Benton, Kansas, Cassie Berrios says the venue's equity owner approached her daughter, wrapped an arm around her, called her beautiful and tried to kiss her on the lips. The toddler turned her head, so the man kissed her cheek and then blew out the candle while onlookers watched. Berrios alleges the man attempted to touch the child again, was rebuffed, and replied with a vulgar insult.
No arrests have been made, but police are investigating the alleged battery. The restaurant confirmed the individual is an equity owner and said it will take steps to prevent similar conduct, emphasizing that the actions do not reflect its broader staff. The owner is linked to A&M Management Group, which runs several eateries in the Wichita area.
Why it matters
It raises concerns about child safety and employee conduct in public venues.
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