An angry customer allegedly set fire to a cafe near Seville, Spain, in August after being told there was no mayonnaise for his sandwich, according to the owner. The incident at Cafetería Las Postas caused damage estimated at between £6,100 and £8,700 (€7,000 to €10,000).
Owner José Antonio Caballero claimed the customer went to a fuel station 20 metres away, filled a bottle with petrol, returned to the eatery, and demanded the condiment again. When told there was "no mayonnaise, no ketchup" for a second time, he reportedly doused the counter with petrol and set it alight, as reported by Spanish daily El Economista.
Mr Caballero told the publication: "Imagine the fire that started - there were children in front of him, people spending the afternoon - it was tremendous." No other customers or staff were injured, but the alleged arsonist suffered burns and was restrained by bystanders before being arrested by police. He was taken into custody and denied bail, according to local media.
Hellmann's has since stepped in, posting on Instagram: "Cafetería Las Postas, we're sorry we weren't there. From now on, you can count on us." The mayonnaise giant offered to pay for the damage and ensure supplies do not run out again, adding: "From now on, you'll never run out of mayonnaise for your sandwiches."
Instagram users praised the company's gesture, with one commenting: "What a nice touch! Congratulations to your marketing department." Another wrote: "I don't like mayonnaise, but you've won my heart."
