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California coffee chain (Philz) reinstates policy on Pride flags after swift backlash
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/17/philz-coffee-pride-flags-californiaUwa Ede-Osifo
Petition started by workers gained more than 7,300 signatures after CEO said flags would be removed
A San Francisco-based coffee chain that sparked backlash with a policy to remove Pride flags from their stores has reversed its decision over a week later.
"I made a mistake and I am sincerely sorry," said Mahesh Sadarangani, the chief executive of Philz Coffee, in a statement on Friday. "The Pride flag is a symbol of safety and belonging for people who don't always find that in the world, and that is not something I want to take away from anyone who walks into a Philz."
Last week, in a statement to the Guardian, Sadarangani framed the move as a step toward inclusivity. He said other flags would also come down for consistency.
Backlash from Philz Coffee's workers and customers was swift. An online petition expressing opposition to the policy, which appeared to be started by company baristas, racked up more than 7,300 signatures. The company has built a reputation on being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community.
. . .
"I made a mistake and I am sincerely sorry," said Mahesh Sadarangani, the chief executive of Philz Coffee, in a statement on Friday. "The Pride flag is a symbol of safety and belonging for people who don't always find that in the world, and that is not something I want to take away from anyone who walks into a Philz."
Last week, in a statement to the Guardian, Sadarangani framed the move as a step toward inclusivity. He said other flags would also come down for consistency.
Backlash from Philz Coffee's workers and customers was swift. An online petition expressing opposition to the policy, which appeared to be started by company baristas, racked up more than 7,300 signatures. The company has built a reputation on being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community.
. . .
12 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
More like pirate equity. 
SOMETIMES ASSHOLES NEED A KICK.
Right in their tiny coffee beans.
Make that ALL THE TIME.
Right in their tiny coffee beans.
Make that ALL THE TIME.
That's good but this incident won't be forgotten.
