Jack in the Box says unapproved 'loitering' message was disabled after customers got soaked outside San Diego restaurant
Customers said they were drenched outside a Jack in the Box as a speaker told 'loiterers' to 'buy something or bounce.'
A stop for fast food turned into something much stranger outside a Jack in the Box in downtown San Diego. Customers said water suddenly sprayed over parts of the restaurant exterior while a recorded message warned people outside to move along.
A breakfast run ended with water hitting customers and their belongings
The complaints centered on a system installed outside the restaurant that was said to spray water across three areas of the building at intervals of several minutes.
People caught in it were not just standing around without ordering, according to the accounts that surfaced. One customer said she had gone to the restaurant for breakfast when the water started, soaking both her and her electric bike. Another woman also said she ended up under the sprinklers without any warning.
That detail quickly became the sticking point. The issue was not simply that water was being used outside the building, but that customers said they were unexpectedly drenched after buying food.
Then came the recording, and it was hard to miss
Along with the water, a 25 second audio message played over a speaker aimed at people outside the restaurant.
It began with the words, "Attention loiterers," and went on to tell people they were blocking the drive thru. The recording then said, "Buy something or bounce," followed by, "The clown is watching. Move. Now. Jack says so."
The combination of the spray and the message drew complaints because it appeared to address people gathering outside while also catching paying customers in the process.
Jack in the Box says the voice message was not approved
In response, a spokesperson for Jack in the Box said the location uses an audio based device, like many of the chain's restaurants, to help keep the environment safe, clean and comfortable for guests and employees.
The company said the specific voice recording used there did not match its brand standards or values, was not approved by Jack in the Box, and had been disabled immediately.
It also said the water setup is intended as a ground surface cleaning mechanism that automatically cleans the area between routine pressure washing, adding that it is not positioned to interfere with guests or passers by.
Jack in the Box also addressed concerns about people experiencing homelessness who were said to gather outside the branch at times. The company said it recognizes the importance of treating everyone in the communities it serves with dignity and respect, while supporting measures that keep the neighborhood peaceful and the restaurant clean and safe for guests and employees.
Why businesses use outdoor voice messages
Many restaurants, shops and petrol stations use outdoor speakers as part of their security setup. These systems can play a live announcement from staff, a pre recorded message on a timer, or an automated warning triggered by motion, after hours settings, or a central control panel.
The aim is usually simple: direct customer flow, discourage lingering in service lanes, and make staff feel safer when fewer people are around. The same speaker may also be used for practical instructions, such as where to queue, how to order, or whether a pickup window is open.
Because these systems are often managed through software, messages can sometimes be scheduled, changed remotely, or added by third party contractors. That means mistakes can happen if a message is uploaded to the wrong site, left active at the wrong time, or paired with a schedule that no longer fits normal trading.
How sprinklers and other outdoor systems can catch people out
Landscaped areas around restaurants often have automatic irrigation. A basic setup runs on a programmed timetable. A more advanced one may react to weather, soil moisture, or different watering zones. If the spray reaches pavements, entrances, or waiting areas, people nearby can end up unexpectedly wet.
This is not always obvious in daylight or busy service periods, especially where planting beds sit close to doors, drive thru lanes, or pickup bays. Outdoor lighting, noise, and narrow walkways can also make it harder to spot where water will spray.
If you are waiting outside a venue, it is worth avoiding grass borders, low shrubs, and any area with visible sprinkler heads. Covered areas, marked pickup spots, and the side of the building away from planting are usually safer places to stand.
Useful tips if you are collecting food or waiting outside
If you are unsure where to wait, check signs first and use the spot that is clearly marked for collection or queueing. If the venue has an app, curbside pickup, or a text alert system, those options can reduce time spent standing outdoors.
If an automated message sounds wrong, or a safety feature seems to be affecting customers, report it to staff straight away rather than assuming it is intentional. Frontline workers may not know a recording, speaker, light, or irrigation timer has been left on.
For your own comfort, keep coats, phones, and paper bags away from landscaped edges and drainage channels. If weather is poor, waiting in a vehicle or under proper shelter is usually the better option, even for a short collection.
