Philz Coffee faces backlashes after Pride flag removal across stores
Philz Coffee faced employee and customer backlash after ordering Pride flags removed from all stores to create a 'more consistent, inclusive' experience. A petition collected over 5,800 signatures, protests occurred in San Francisco’s Castro, and criticism targeted private equity owner Freeman Spogli & Co.; store managers were reportedly told not to speak to the media. Critics highlighted Philz’s LGBTQ+ advocacy history, while some locally pledged to support independent shops rather than Philz.