Philz Coffee, a San Francisco-based chain with over 80 locations across California and Chicago, has reinstated its policy allowing Pride flags in stores after a rapid backlash from staff and customers. CEO Mahesh Sadarangani had initially removed the flags citing a desire for consistency, but reversed course following an online petition — apparently launched by company baristas — that gathered more than 7,300 signatures, as well as criticism from local politicians and meetings with San Francisco Pride leaders. The episode comes amid a broader political climate in the United States in which LGBTQ+ symbols in public spaces have faced growing challenges from Republican-led administrations and officials.