Pros
Growing company that wants to provide a unique experience in a highly, highly saturated market in the bay area, with high expectations and support from customers. The company continues to enjoy growth, both in revenue and employee additions, and does offer a unique perspective on the coffee culture, with real, special roots.
Cons
Unfortunately, the expectations of employees aren't met as frequently as those of their customers (which begs the question, which is more important?). Operating any business in the San Francisco Bay Area is expensive, often complex, and not always rewarding, but it's clear that Philz was one of the lucky ones. Marked by VC funding, a built-in loyal customer base, and employees as unique as their coffee names, the company aims to convince customers that they're a fun, fresh and equitable brand, but employees in its retail stores don't seem to think so. Turn-over was high in many retail locations, due to poor hiring decisions, low priority on employee development, low wages and benefits, and a business model that struggles to allow employees to be themselves but also not. In addition to all of this, many employees want the company to direct resources (research, finances, time) to improving their existing infrastructure and stores, instead of expanding them across the country, and it seems like they were struggling to do both. If you ask retail employees what they love about working at Philz, many of them would say "the people (co-workers), the culture, the coffee", and ask them what they dislike, and you would likely find a few words in response, "Everything else".