California Coffee Chain U-Turns on Pride Flag Ban After Backlash
Philz Coffee reverses policy to remove Pride flags after worker petition gains 7,300+ signatures, CEO apologizes for 'mistake'
San Francisco-based coffee chain Philz Coffee has backtracked on its controversial decision to remove Pride flags from its stores, following a swift and overwhelming backlash from employees and customers.
Just over a week after Philz CEO Mahesh Sadarangani announced the chain would be taking down the Pride symbols, he has now issued a public apology and reinstated the policy allowing the flags.
"I made a mistake and I am sincerely sorry," Sadarangani said 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."
The reversal comes after a petition started by Philz workers gained more than 7,300 signatures condemning the initial decision. Many customers and LGBTQ+ advocates had also voiced their outrage at the policy, accusing the company of bowing to conservative pressure.
Source: The Guardian
