Philz Coffee

SF’s Newest Philz Coffee Location Reverses Position on Users Of Cash, Flip Phones | Eater SF

"I visited the 1,000-square-foot Philz Coffee at 425 Mission Street in the Salesforce Transit Center, which was described as the city’s “first mobile-only cafe” and initially required customers to download the Philz app to order and pay for takeout-only drinks. The app also cannot process gift cards or promo codes and requires location access so users can "see accurate store and menu information." That mobile-only approach raised questions about compliance with San Francisco’s law requiring businesses to accept cash, and recalled Philz’s 2014 controversy over collecting information from customers’ Wi‑Fi devices. Philz initially said guests without the app could find their barista on arrival and be helped to download and place an order, but later clarified that while transactions are “encouraged” through the app, the store has the necessary capabilities to honor cash payments should a customer be unable or unwilling to use the app. Philz also promotes being greeted by knowledgeable baristas ready to help customers find the perfect blend." - Eve Batey