The Guardian · California · Original story
California coffee chain reinstates policy on Pride flags after swift backlash
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.”
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Uwa Ede-Osifo · Fri, Apr 17, 2026, 2:58 PM
California | The Guardian
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.”
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