San Francisco coffee chain to remove Pride flags from stores to be "more inclusive" - Queerty

"Philz Coffee's recent decision to remove pride flags from their stores has left many team members and customers feeling confounded and unsupported. Within Philz's expressed core values, the company emphasizes its goal to create a 'customer and team-member focused' experience. The pride flags within the stores hold deep meaning and value to both staff and visitors, symbolizing that these locations are safe and welcoming spaces for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity."

"Unity is fundamental to how we operate. Philz was working toward creating a more consistent, inclusive experience across all our stores, including removing a variety of flags and other decor. Our longstanding support of the LGBTQIA+ community is unchanged. This is a change in how our stores look, not in who we are."

Philz Coffee, founded in San Francisco in 2003, is removing Pride flags from its stores, leading to backlash from employees and customers. A Change.org petition was initiated by baristas expressing their dissatisfaction with this decision. The flags are seen as symbols of safety and inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community. CEO Mahesh Sadarangani stated that the company aims to create a consistent experience across all locations, emphasizing that their support for the LGBTQIA+ community remains unchanged despite the removal of the flags.

Read at Queerty