Overview
- Philz Coffee said Friday that Pride flags will stay up at its cafés, with CEO Mahesh Sadarangani apologizing and allowing any removed flags to be put back.
- The reversal followed a plan to strip flags and decor for a uniform look that drew a barista-led petition with about 6,700 to 7,000 signatures and protests in San Francisco.
- Sadarangani met with San Francisco Pride’s Suzanne Ford and Jupiter Peraza and said the flag signals safety and belonging for people who do not always feel welcome.
- The company said its 82 locations will add locally created artwork shaped by employees and neighborhood voices.
- Advocacy groups, including the Human Rights Campaign, credited public pressure from more than 14,000 supporters, highlighting a broader fight over corporate Pride displays.