
A Spanish café owner received an unexpected corporate lifeline after a deranged customer torched his business over missing mayonnaise, highlighting how quickly consumer entitlement can spiral into criminal destruction.
Story Snapshot
- Customer set Cafetería Las Postas on fire after being denied mayonnaise, causing $11,745 in damages
- Arsonist purchased gasoline and returned to ignite the counter when mayonnaise was unavailable
- Hellmann’s Spain stepped in to pay all repair costs and supply future mayonnaise needs
- The criminal remains in custody without bail while café owner expresses gratitude for corporate support
Mayonnaise Denial Triggers Arson Attack
On August 21, 2025, a customer at Cafetería Las Postas in Seville, Spain, ordered sandwiches and requested mayonnaise. When café owner José Antonio Caballero informed him they were out of the condiment, the customer left the establishment. Rather than accepting this minor inconvenience, he purchased gasoline from a nearby station and returned with criminal intent. Upon being denied mayonnaise again, he set the counter ablaze while children and families were present.
Hellmann’s vows to pay cafe owner for $11K in repairs after disgruntled customer sets eatery on fire over missing mayo https://t.co/3PTi3uX308 pic.twitter.com/S0cC8HmWhO
— New York Post (@nypost) September 22, 2025
The arson caused between €7,000 and €10,000 in damages to the small business, threatening the livelihood of Caballero and his employees. Fortunately, no injuries occurred despite the presence of innocent bystanders. The incident represents an extreme escalation of consumer frustration that crossed into dangerous criminal territory. This level of entitlement and violent reaction over a simple condiment shortage demonstrates concerning societal trends.
Corporate Response Turns Crisis Into Opportunity
Hellmann’s Spain recognized an opportunity to demonstrate brand values while supporting a victimized business owner. On September 12, 2025, the mayonnaise company publicly committed to covering all repair costs and ensuring the café never runs out of mayonnaise again. The company’s statement declared: “From now on, you can count on us. Let us take care of the repairs and make sure your sandwiches never run out of mayonnaise again.”
This rapid corporate response transformed a tragic incident into positive brand association. Caballero accepted the offer and expressed gratitude on social media, creating a heartwarming resolution to a disturbing crime. The intervention demonstrates how private enterprise can step in to help community members when government fails to prevent criminal behavior. Hellmann’s Spain effectively turned a customer’s destructive tantrum into a demonstration of corporate responsibility.
Criminal Justice System Responds Appropriately
Spanish authorities properly handled the arsonist, who now remains in custody without bail awaiting legal proceedings through the Court of First Instance of Utrera. The criminal justice system recognized the severity of setting fire to a business with innocent people present, regardless of the seemingly trivial trigger. This appropriate response sends a clear message that violent reactions to minor inconveniences will face serious consequences.
The incident highlights the importance of personal responsibility and proportionate responses to everyday frustrations. While customer service issues are common, escalating to arson endangers lives and destroys honest people’s livelihoods. The swift arrest and detention without bail demonstrates that Spanish authorities take public safety seriously when dealing with dangerous individuals who threaten community wellbeing over trivial matters.
Sources:
Hellmann’s makes offer after man allegedly set fire to cafe for not getting mayonnaise
Hellmann’s to save Seville café after customer tantrum causes fire
Boners of the Day for September 22nd, 2025
Hellmann offers to pay café owner