Bay Area Coffee Chain's Plan to Remove Pride Flags From All Locations Spurs Backlash: Report

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A Bay Area coffee chain is under scrutiny for its decision to remove pride flags from all its locations, according to a report from the San Francisco Chronicle.

Philz Coffee's CEO told the Chronicle that the chain "was working toward creating a more consistent, inclusive experience across all our stores, including removing a variety of flags and other decor."

It's unclear when the flags will be removed, with the Chronicle reporting several pride flags in the Bay Area were still flying high at Philz Coffees as of Wednesday.

A petition has since been started online, urging Philz Coffee to keep the flags up. It has since received over 2,700 signatures.

"Philz Coffee's recent decision to remove pride flags from their stores has left many team members and customers feeling confounded and unsupported," the petition reads. "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."

Dozens of people in the comments of the petition voiced their concerns, some saying others were confused about the decision, and others promising to take their business elsewhere.

"Philz was special because it felt like a real integral part of the community," one comment said. "Now a private equity company buys it and destroys what made it special."

"Philz be so fr this is embarrassing," another comment read. "You can't afford to be anti lgbtq btw bc who is gonna buy coffee from ya'll now?? The raccoons?? Ya'll need help, real help."

Philz Coffee was founded by Phil Jaber in San Francisco in 2003 and has since extended its reach to the Midwest. The company is currently headquartered in Oakland.

It was sold to the Los Angeles-based private equity firm Freeman Spogli & Co. for $145 million in 2025. There are currently more than 70 Philz Coffees between California and Chicago.