Philz coffee chain, founded in SF, removes Pride flags to make customers feel more welcome

[BlueWaveNeverEnd]

https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/philz-outrage-flag-policy-22197681.php

'No idea what he’s thinking': New policy at Philz Coffee causes outrage

Executives recently made the decision to remove pride flags from its cafes


Philz, the coffee chain that was founded in San Francisco and has been operating for more than 20 years, is facing backlash for making the decision to remove pride flags from its cafes.

According to a petition that employees launched a few days ago, this “recent decision to remove pride flags from their stores has left many team members and customers feeling confounded and unsupported.”


“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,” it continues.

But Philz CEO Mahesh Sadarangani says this measure will make the Bay Area-born cafe chain more welcoming to customers.

“Our longstanding support of the LGBTQIA+ community is unchanged,” Sadarangani said in an emailed statement to SFGATE. “We are working toward creating a more consistent, inclusive experience across all our stores, including removing a variety of flags and other decor. This is a change in how our stores look, not in who we are,” he continued, adding that the company plans to hold a pride event in June.