A coffee franchise brand owner apologized after controversy erupted over publicly calling out a milk delivery driver for not putting the milk into the refrigerator, saying, "If you got paid, do your job properly." The franchise headquarters also apologized, saying it would conduct a fact-finding investigation.
TENPERCENT SPECIALTY COFFEE headquarters posted an apology on social media (SNS) on the 15th, saying it was "taking the seriousness of the matter very seriously."
Earlier, cafe owner A posted on their SNS a photo of milk delivered at room temperature, writing, "What I hate most: people who do their job halfheartedly. As the weather gets hotter, you should put it in the refrigerator. If you're busy, get up earlier," and added, "If you got paid, do your job properly. It takes only 1 minute to put this in."
A publicly called out the milk delivery driver for not putting the milk into the refrigerator at A's store.
Even as internet users criticized the post, A did not back down. Calling it "an issue related to the freshness of the milk to be served to customers," A added, "I work every moment with the resolve to stake my life. That is why I never trust those who take work lightly or remain complacent," again criticizing the milk delivery driver.
But as the post spread online and the controversy grew, A eventually posted an apology.
A uploaded a handwritten apology, saying, "I bow my head in sincere apology to the delivery driver who was deeply hurt by my careless words and actions," and added, "I will take responsibility for my wrongdoing and humbly accept stern criticism."
A went on, "I promoted the store through SNS and saw a positive effect on sales," adding, "However, I gradually became greedy to draw attention with provocative posts and, for so-called 'aggro,' committed the mistake of using extreme and inappropriate expressions."
As the situation unfolded, TENPERCENT SPECIALTY COFFEE, the headquarters of the store in question, moved to contain the fallout. TENPERCENT SPECIALTY COFFEE said, "TENPERCENT SPECIALTY COFFEE considers mutual respect among all partner companies and on-site members, including logistics drivers, as a core operating principle," adding, "We make it clear that we do not tolerate any inappropriate words, actions, or responses that run counter to this."
It added, "We identified the facts regarding the franchisee in question and are legally reviewing whether measures are possible based on relevant laws and the franchise agreement," and said, "We plan to take strict follow-up measures according to the results."