Pizza store's extortion of delivery tips leads to lawsuit

A local pizza franchise has vowed to seek legal action against one of its former branches, which stirred controversy by keeping delivery tips and making unlawful use of the franchise store's menus.

The pizza store located in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province had been adding a 2,000 won ($1.5) tip to online delivery orders, by having the customers select an option labeled "I'll enjoy it” for the extra charge. The only alternative was an option that leads to the cancellation of the order, meaning a customer is forced to pay the additional fee for no extra feature.

After the controversy, the store changed the labeling of the tip option to "Give me the pizza," and the basic order option to "Only the sauce is provided."

The store was removed from delivery platform Baemin on Wednesday, which said such practices violated its terms of service.

Based on the pizza store's options, the public was initially led to believe that the shop had belonged to a local pizza franchise named Pigubnam Pizza that has 80 branches nationwide. But the franchise said that the while the store had been under its umbrella from 2022 to 2024, its licensing contract had been terminated.

In a public statement posted late Wednesday, Pigubnam Pizza said it will take action against the store in question for unlicensed use of its official menus. The company said the contract bans former franchise store owners from running their own pizza joint for two years after the deal is terminated.

The Food Sanitation Act states that the price that appears on the menu should include all charges for the particular dish, banning stores from charging delivery fees that are not set by the delivery platform.

Source : https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10518360

Comprehension

What controversial action did the Bucheon pizza store take regarding delivery orders?
What were the names of the unusual order options listed on the menu?
What platform removed the store, and why?
Was the store still officially part of the Pigubnam Pizza franchise?
What does the contract say about opening a pizza store after leaving the franchise?
What does the Food Sanitation Act say about pricing on menus?
What legal action does Pigubnam Pizza plan to take?
How did the public misunderstand the store’s identity at first?

Discussion

How would you feel if a restaurant charged you extra without giving anything more?
Should food delivery platforms check stores more carefully before listing them? Why or why not?
Why do you think the store tried to trick customers with their menu options?
What would you do if you were charged a hidden fee while ordering online?
Is it fair for franchises to block former store owners from starting their own similar business?
What are some good ways for food businesses to build trust with customers?
Do you think laws like the Food Sanitation Act are necessary? Why or why not?
Have you ever had a bad experience ordering food online? What happened?
What are some signs that a store might not be honest with its customers?
What kind of punishment should there be for businesses that cheat customers?

Vocabulary

Franchise – a business that uses the name and brand of a larger company
Controversy – public disagreement or argument
Tip – extra money given for a service
Unlawful – not allowed by law; illegal
Termination – the act of ending something (like a contract)
Violation – breaking a rule or law
Unlicensed – not officially approved or allowed
Sanitation – keeping things clean and healthy, especially with food