In the latest round of leftists freaking out over a very reasonable decision because it doesn’t align with their ideological priorities, the originally San Francisco-based coffee chain Philz Coffee has decided remove “pride” flags from its stores and the leftist crowd that patronizes such places has gone utterly ballistic.
For reference, the business is apparently trying to win over more customers generally, and while it claims to still be an “ally” of the many groups represented by the rainbow flag, it no longer wants to openly push that through the use of flags in its establishments. Such, at least, is what the CEO told the San Francisco Chronicle.
According to CEO Mahesh Sadarangani, who has been in the role since 2021, the removal of the rainbow flags is part of a general effort on before of the coffee chain to create “a more consistent, inclusive experience across all our stores, including removing a variety of flags and other decor.” He added that Philz’s “longstanding support of the LGBTQIA+ community is unchanged.”
Continuing, he explained that they’ll be sticking with their allyship, but are determined on getting rid of the flags. “This is a change in how our stores look, not in who we are. Our allyship runs deeper than what is on our walls. It shows up in who we hire, how we treat one another and in our annual Pride Month Unity celebration, which returns this June as it has every year. Unity is fundamental to how we operate,” he said.
Predictably, the left responded with outrage on social media, and even started a petition to demand the flags be brought back. That Change.org petition began, “Philz Coffee’s recent decision to remove pride flags from their stores has left many team members and customers feeling confounded and unsupported.”
Continuing, it claimed, very entertaining, “Within Philz’s expressed core values, the company emphasizes its goal to create a “customer and team-member focused” experience. The pride flags within the stores hold deep meaning and value to both staff and visitors, symbolizing that these locations are safe and welcoming spaces for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Then, missing an apostrophe and demanding the company take open political stands on behalf of a relatively small demographic, the petition demanded, “In todays society, businesses have an essential role in fostering inclusivity and support, and displaying the pride flag is a simple yet remarkably powerful demonstration of that role. Removing these flags risks alienating a core group of team members and loyal customers who see Philz not just as a coffee shop, but as a place where they are embraced and celebrated for who they are.”
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Concluding, it said, “We ask the leadership at Philz Coffee to reconsider their decision and reinstate the pride flags across all their locations. In doing so, Philz will reaffirm its commitment to diversity and inclusion, aligning its values with the community it serves. Please join us in urging Philz to proudly display the pride flags once again by signing this petition. Your support can make a difference. Thank you!”
Angrier comments came on X, in response to the San Francisco Chronicle article announcing the move. One such commenter snapped, “Wtf? In the gayest city in the country, Philz is a legend. Why would they make this stupid move? I hope the city boycotts. This is red state stuff.” Another declared, “Seems unnecessary and a classic private equity move to strip the personality and soul of a business, let alone one that rooted itself in SF.”
Others snapped things like “Cool, its always good when a company self identifies as non-allies of a community you support so you can stop giving them business” and “And private equity strikes again. Remember to boycott the f*ck out of Philz AND Starbucks. Make your own coffee or buy local.”
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Featured image credit: the Change.org petition