California’s Philz Coffee removes Pride flags from stores
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
San Francisco coffee shop Philz Coffee is removing LGBTQ Pride flags from its stores despite growing backlash.
News that the California coffee chain will remove Pride flags from its stores follows the publication of a Change.org petition by a group known as “Philz Coffee Baristas” demanding that the company reconsider its decision.
“Philz Coffee’s recent decision to remove pride flags from its stores has left many team members and customers feeling confused and unsupported.” Petition To read. “Within the core values expressed by Philz, the company emphasizes its goal of creating a ‘customer and team member-centered’ experience. Pride flags in stores carry deep meaning and value for staff and visitors alike, symbolizing that these spaces are safe and welcoming spaces for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”
FIRED WORKER FROM YOSEM INVITED THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AFTER HANGING A GIANT TRANSGENDER FLAG ON EL CAPITAN
Philz Coffee confirmed in a statement that it plans to remove LGBT Pride flags, among other decorations, from its stores. (iStock)
He continued: “These days [sic] Businesses have an important role in society in promoting inclusion and support, and displaying the pride flag is a simple but powerful demonstration of this role. “Removing these flags risks alienating a core group of team members and loyal customers who see Philz as not just a cafe, but a place where they are embraced and celebrated for who they are.”
Philz Coffee confirmed the decision in a statement from CEO Mahesh Sadarangani to Fox News Digital on Thursday, adding that the stores would also remove other flags.
“At Philz, we have always believed that everyone who walks through our doors deserves to feel welcome and safe, and this belief is at the core of everything we do,” Sadarangani said. “Our long-standing support for the LGBTQIA+ community remains unchanged. We are working to create a more consistent, inclusive experience across all of our stores, including the removal of various flags and other decor.”
LA BUSINESS OWNER IS TIRED OF CITY TARGETING STORE SIDEWAY SIGN INSTEAD OF HOMELESS CAMPS
The Pride of Progress flag, with coffee-themed decor and bright orange paint, is displayed on the interior wall of Philz Coffee, Bishop Ranch Business Park in San Ramon, California, June 19, 2025. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
Sadarangani added: “This is a change not about who we are, but the look of our stores. Our allyship runs deeper than what’s within our walls. It’s evident in who we hire, how we treat each other, and in our annual Pride Month celebration of Unity, which returns this June as it does every year. Unity is the foundation of how we work.”
It is currently unclear when all flags will be removed.
This isn’t the first time a Philz Coffee store has faced backlash due to the political climate. In 2020, the company reportedly fired four employees who objected to its policies on riot policing. An employee posted a photo on the company’s Instagram account demanding an end to the 20% police discount following the death of Breonna Taylor.
CORPORATE AMERICA HAS DECIDED THAT DEI MUST DIE
“What’s your favorite iced coffee drink because ours is to arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor,” the employee wrote.
A petition has gone viral demanding Philz Coffee reverse its decision to remove the pride flags. (iStock/Getty Images)
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
In 2023, all five Philz Coffee employees were sent home. Refusing to remove “Free Palestine” badges.
