Philz Coffee, a San Francisco-based coffeehouse chain, is maintaining its stance on removing all pride flags from its locations nationwide, despite a petition from employees advocating for their return.
CEO Mahesh Sadarangani, in a statement to JS, explained on Thursday that Philz aims to create a more uniform and inclusive atmosphere across its stores, which involves removing various flags and decor.
Sadarangani emphasized that Philz Coffee’s commitment to the LGBTQ community remains steadfast.
“This change affects the appearance of our stores, not our identity,” Sadarangani stated. “Our support is reflected in our hiring practices, the way we interact with each other, and our annual Pride Month Unity celebration, which will be held again this June as it has every year. Unity is essential to our operations.”
A petition from “Philz Coffee Baristas” claims the decision has left many employees and customers feeling perplexed and unsupported.
The petition’s description states, “In today’s world, businesses play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity, and displaying the pride flag is a simple yet powerful symbol of that role. Removing these flags risks alienating a core group of team members and loyal customers who see Philz as more than a coffee shop, but as a place where they are accepted and celebrated.”
With over 2,600 signatures as of Thursday afternoon, the petition urges Philz Coffee to reconsider and reinstall the pride flags at all of their locations.
The decision to remove pride flags in San Francisco is notably surprising given the city’s longstanding role as a center for the LGBTQ rights movement.
Philz Coffee employees have previously voiced concerns about the company’s leadership. In the summer of 2020, during nationwide protests against police brutality, a store manager was dismissed after posting a critical comment about law enforcement on the company’s Instagram page, highlighting the 20% discount offered to police officers. During that time, 181 employees were also laid off after reports emerged that social distancing and mask-wearing were not being enforced.
In 2023, five employees were sent home from their shifts for wearing pins supporting Palestinians. Although Philz Coffee’s founders, Phil and Jacob Jaber, are Palestinian, they have stepped back from daily operations, with Sadarangani assuming the CEO role in 2021.
