Philz, the San Francisco-based coffee chain with locations across California, is facing growing criticism after reports that it plans to remove Pride flags from its stores.
The move has prompted an online petition that has gathered 4,000 signatures. The petition condemns the decision as a “slap in the face” and says Philz made its fortune off the LGBTQ+ community.
According to a statement provided by CEO Mahesh Sadarangani to SFGate, the company says the change is part of an effort to “create a more consistent, inclusive experience across all our stores, including removing a variety of flags and other decor.”
Philz did not immediately respond to The Guardian’s request for comment.
The controversy has drawn attention because Pride flags have long served as a visible symbol of support for LGBTQ+ communities in retail and hospitality spaces. For critics of the move, the issue is not simply about decor but about what the flags represent to customers and employees who see them as a sign of welcome.
Philz has built a strong presence in California and is a familiar brand in the state’s coffee market. That visibility has helped make the backlash especially notable, as customers and supporters weigh the company’s explanation against the symbolic importance of the flags it intends to remove.
The petition and the company’s statement suggest a widening divide between Philz’s stated aim of standardizing its stores and the reaction from people who view Pride imagery as an important part of the chain’s public identity. The criticism underscores how quickly decisions about store design and branding can become broader cultural flashpoints.
As of the latest report, Philz had not offered any further public response beyond Sadarangani’s statement to SFGate.
