‘Don’t come into our stores’: Drake’s Supermarket boss JP Drake lets rip in explosive tirade

The outspoken businessman has delivered a blunt message for “people who hide behind a keyboard”, saying they have “no place” in his stores. Find out why.

South Australian supermarket boss John-Paul Drake has blasted “people who hide behind a keyboard” after racist comments were left on his business’s social media posts.

Taking to Instagram on Monday, the director of Drakes Supermarkets let rip on the “completely unacceptable” comments as “racist, hateful and downright rude”.

In a post titled, “An open message to people who hide behind a keyboard” he delivered a blunt message to trolls; telling them simply to “f*** off”.

Instagram message from John Paul Drake targeting racists commenting about his staff on his social media. Picture: Instagram

Mr Drake said he would always stand up for his team. Picture: Instagram

“Drakes is about people,” he began.

“We’re proud to be a business made up of people from all walks of life – different backgrounds, cultures, religions, skin colours, beliefs, sexualities.

“When I see someone attacking my team with racist, hateful and downright rude comments, it’s my responsibility to out a stop to this heinous un-Australian behaviour.

“This isn’t about politics, ESG or being woke. It’s about human decency.

“Racism has no place in our society.

“And you have no place in our stores.”

In a statement to The Advertiser, Mr Drake said a recent Facebook post featuring a Drake employee drew about 80 comments – 50 of which had to be removed for being offensive.

The Advertiser has chosen not to republish the original post nor repeat the comments made.

“I can’t believe in this day in age, in this country that was built on multiculturalism, I’m having to call out this extremely shameful behaviour,” he said.

“There is absolutely no excuse or place for racism in any form, and even less so when it’s directed at my team.”

JP Drake has delivered a blistering spray in response to comments made on his business’s social media posts. Picture: Tom Huntley

He encouraged other business owners to take steps to stamp out racist behaviour online.

“Everyone should feel comfortable in calling out this kind of behaviour,” he said.

“No one should feel comfortable when they see or read it.

“The customer might always come first, but you lose the right to be a customer when you abuse my team. My people are my biggest asset, and I have no qualms standing up for them and for what is right.”

Flocking to the comments section, social media users were quick to heap praise on the outspoken boss.

“This is what good management do … stand up for your employees and shoppers,” one person wrote.

“This post makes me fell like I should be shopping at Drakes,” said another.

Others shared his disgust.

“Good on you JP, stand up to the mongrels,” one wrote.

Comments have since been removed on the post.

It’s not the first time Mr Drake has lashed out on social media.

He’s gained thousands of followers through his viral antics to identify and shame repeat shoplifters.

Last year, he even went on national TV to call out two brazen alleged shoplifters, accusing them of disguising hundreds of dollars’ worth of prime meat cuts under fake birthday presents.

Originally published as ‘Don’t come into our stores’: Drake’s Supermarket boss JP Drake lets rip in explosive tirade