[26.04.15] Cafe Owner Criticized Over Milk Delivery Demand

Cafe Owner Sparks Controversy by Saying “Put the Milk in the Fridge”…Accusations of Publicly Targeting Delivery Worker

📍Conflict that began on social media expands…CCTV face exposure triggers secondary controversy and damage spreads to unrelated stores

A cafe owner of a low-cost coffee franchise sparked controversy after posting remarks on social media telling a milk delivery worker to “put the milk in the fridge.” Although an apology was later issued, the situation escalated further as CCTV footage revealed the worker’s face, raising privacy concerns and causing damage to unrelated stores.

🔹 Controversy begins with social media post targeting delivery worker

The controversy began with a post uploaded by a cafe owner, identified as A. A shared a photo of milk crates placed on the store floor and wrote, “I hate people who work carelessly the most,” “As the weather gets hotter, they should put it in the fridge,” and “If you are getting paid, you should do your job properly.”

The post appeared to criticize a situation in which milk delivered before store opening was not refrigerated, effectively targeting a delivery worker, and quickly spread across online communities.

🔹 “It only takes one minute”…remarks criticized as shifting responsibility

A further stated that “It only takes one minute to put this away,” criticizing the delivery worker’s attitude. A also added that “Doing work well means making it convenient for others” and “If busy, one should wake up earlier.”

In particular, the remark that “In any business relationship, the hierarchy is determined by how I act” drew criticism for reflecting an inappropriate perception that goes beyond a simple complaint.

🔹 Explanation of “willing to pay more” fails to calm criticism

A later explained that there was willingness to pay additional fees if the delivery worker placed the milk in the refrigerator, stating that it was about maintaining freshness for customers.

However, the explanation failed to calm the controversy, as many users continued to argue that the demand itself exceeded the agreed scope of work.

🔹 Backlash from business owners and netizens…“not part of the job”

As the post spread, backlash from both netizens and fellow small business owners intensified. Many pointed out that it is rare for delivery workers to place items directly into refrigerators and that store layouts often make such actions impractical.

Some also shared that managing deliveries personally is more efficient and emphasized that such expectations fall outside contractual responsibilities.

🔹 Apology issued…but controversy reignites with CCTV exposure

As criticism grew, A issued an apology, stating that the post was written impulsively and without sufficient consideration for others.

However, the situation worsened when CCTV footage was released during the explanation process, showing the delivery worker’s face. This raised concerns over potential violations of personal data protection laws and reignited the controversy.

🔹 Specific store identified…past recruitment posts resurface

Online users attempted to identify the store based on past recruitment posts, leading to speculation about a specific franchise location.

A previous job advertisement showing differences in conditions based on gender was also brought back into discussion, further fueling criticism of the owner’s management practices.

🔹 Damage spreads…unrelated stores suffer from review bombing

The controversy has spread beyond the original store, with other branches that share similar names experiencing so-called “review bombing” and negative ratings.

This has resulted in damage to unrelated business owners, prompting concern about the broader impact of online backlash. The franchise headquarters stated that it is currently verifying the facts.

🔹 Beyond a single incident…debate over workplace power dynamics

The incident is evolving beyond a simple dispute into a broader discussion about power dynamics and responsibility in small business environments.

With issues of public shaming through social media and privacy violations intertwined, calls are growing for more responsible communication and greater awareness of others’ rights in online spaces.

One-line summary : A cafe owner’s demand regarding milk storage has escalated into a broader controversy involving abuse of power, privacy concerns, and harm to unrelated parties.