Pikubnam Pizza, Legal Action Announced Against All Franchises Over 'Forced Tip' Controversy

The owner of the pizza shop implicated in the 'forced tip' controversy is at risk of being sued by the franchise company they previously operated.

On the 25th, the franchise headquarters of Pikubnam Pizza announced through its official website that there has been an influx of inquiries regarding the pizza shop related to the recent 'forced tip' controversy.

The headquarters stated, "We apologize for the mention of Pikubnam Pizza at the center of this controversy," adding, "It has been confirmed that the pizza shop in question is not one of our franchises."

The controversy erupted when a netizen shared that a pizza shop listed on a delivery application had set up the order to be canceled unless the '2000 won' option was selected.

In response, netizens strongly criticized the pizza shop's 'trick' of forcing tips from customers. Despite the ongoing controversy, the problematic pizza shop not only refused to remove the 'forced tip' option but also changed the name of the option, engaging in a 'tit-for-tat' with customers.

As a result, some netizens began to 'dox' the problematic pizza shop based on the menu names listed in the delivery application.

The headquarters explained, "Upon confirmation, it was found that the store owner who operated 'Pikubnam Pizza OOO branch' from October 22, 2022, to October 10 of last year closed the store after the franchise contract with headquarters ended and is now operating under the name OOO."

They added, "It appears that some menu items from Pikubnam Pizza are being sold under the same names at this shop, leading to such misunderstandings."

The headquarters stated, "As a result, the image of the Pikubnam Pizza headquarters has been tarnished, and while the franchise contract with us has ended, it falls under a breach of contract according to the contract document, and we plan to proceed with legal action soon."

They urged, "Please do not misunderstand, as this controversy is unrelated to the 80+ franchise locations across the country."

Meanwhile, under the current Food Sanitation Act, demanding tips separately on the menu constitutes a clear 'illegality', and the final prices displayed on the menu must include VAT and service charges.

Image source: Reference images for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank, Delivery application order screen of the pizza shop embroiled in the 'forced tip' controversy / online community, Pikubnam Pizza website.