"If You Get Paid, Do the Job Properly": Cafe Franchisee Criticizes Delivery Worker, Headquarters Issues Apology

Public Criticism of Delivery Worker on SNS Sparks Widespread Controversy
Franchisee Apologizes, Headquarters Responds... Follow-up Actions Under Review

As a post by a Tenpercent Coffee franchise owner publicly criticizing a milk delivery worker spread online and drew criticism, both the franchisee and the headquarters have issued apologies.

An image of milk delivered at room temperature posted on social media by Tenpercent Coffee store owner Mr. A. Instagram

This controversy began when a Tenpercent Coffee franchise owner, referred to as Mr. A, posted about a milk delivery worker on his social networking service (SNS) account. In the post, he expressed dissatisfaction that the delivery worker had left the items without putting them in the refrigerator. He also questioned the delivery worker's attitude toward his work.

Controversy Grows Over "If You Get Paid, Do the Job Properly" Comment

Mr. A wrote, "What I hate the most are people who do their work sloppily. Now that the weather is getting warmer, you should put things in the fridge. If you're busy, you should wake up earlier," posting an image of milk delivered at room temperature. He added, "If you get paid, do the job properly. It only takes one minute to put this in the fridge."

Many online users who saw the post reacted by saying that the way the delivery worker was publicly criticized was excessive. There were comments pointing out that this amounted to so-called "gapjil" (abuse of power) or "unreasonable demands," and the story quickly spread across various online communities and SNS platforms. As the controversy escalated, it sparked broader criticism of the Tenpercent Coffee brand as a whole.

As the backlash grew, the franchise owner eventually posted a handwritten apology on SNS, stating, "I sincerely and deeply apologize to the delivery worker who must have been deeply hurt by my careless words and actions," and added, "As a business owner running a branded cafe, I failed to fully consider the impact my words and actions could have on others."

Regarding the post, he explained, "Promoting the store through SNS had brought positive sales effects," but admitted, "However, I gradually became more focused on attracting attention with provocative posts, and in the pursuit of so-called 'aggro' (online attention), I made the mistake of using harsh and inappropriate expressions."

Headquarters Issues Official Response Following Franchisee’s Apology... Emphasizes Preventing Recurrence

Apology Statement Published on the Official Website of Ten Percent Coffee Headquarters. Ten Percent Coffee

The headquarters also issued an official response. On April 15, Tenpercent Coffee announced on its official website and SNS, "Tenpercent Coffee considers mutual respect among all partners and on-site personnel, including logistics workers, as a core operational principle," and stressed, "We make it clear that we do not tolerate any inappropriate words or behavior that go against this principle."

The statement continued, "As soon as we became aware of this issue, we conducted a preliminary fact-check with the franchisee, and four people, including the head of the franchise headquarters, visited the store in person to investigate the details and circumstances. Based on the facts confirmed, we are reviewing possible actions in accordance with relevant laws and the franchise agreement, and we plan to take strict follow-up measures as appropriate."

The company also stated, "We will apply even stricter management standards regarding inappropriate treatment of partner companies and external personnel during franchise operations," emphasizing the prevention of similar incidents in the future.

They added, "We sincerely apologize to everyone who was inconvenienced or concerned by this incident."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.