Disaster Tourism | Nordstrom Closing | Beloved Ice Cream Brand Saved | Apple's $500M Spree: CA Business News

CALIFORNIA — This week in California business news: So-called "disaster tourism" is turning wildfire destruction into a tourists' spectacle, Apple recently dropped a half-billion dollars on real estate in the Bay Area, and one of the world's most famous restaurants is coming to California.

Additionally, squatters are terrorizing one wealthy neighborhood in Southern California.

But before getting to the biggest business stories in the Golden State, here are some of the best consumer deals of the week:

Freebies, Deals And Steals

• In celebration of National French Fry Day, Checkers & Rally's is offering free large fries — with a catch. The burger chain, which has 33 locations across California, is running the unusual promotion on July 11. Read up on all the details here.
• Burger King is giving away free sandwiches all July as part of a series of promotions. The free Whopper promotion requires a $1 purchase, but there's plenty of other deals BK is serving up all month. Check out the details here.

Check out this week's top headlines for California business news on Patch:

• $750M Film Credit Expansion Touted As Economic Booster By Newsom, Bass
• One Of The World's Most Famous Restaurants Is Coming To LA
• 'Disaster Tourism' Turns Wildfire Destruction Into Tour-Bus Spectacle: Officials
• Credit Card Delinquency Increased More In One CA City Than Anywhere In The U.S.
• Apple's Spending Spree: Company Drops Half-Billion On Bay Area Real Estate
• This New CA Law May Change Your Vacation Booking Experience
• Squatters Terrorize Wealthy SoCal Neighborhood: Report

The Bottom Line

• California is home to some of the best — and worst — airports for business travelers, according to a new report from communications company Nextiva. The report ranked LAX as one of the "most connected" airports and best for business travelers in the U.S., while two California regional airports were near the bottom of the list.
• Another California company is heading out of state. Kellwood Co. — which provides clothing to Target, Nordstrom, Kohl's and Costco — has acquired a 19-story office building in Phoenix with plans to make the skyscraper its new home.

More Restaurant & Retail News

Now Open: New Butcher Shop Serves Up 'Premium' Meats In Manhattan Beach

The Butchery is now officially open in Manhattan Beach, serving up high-quality meats, along with artisan cheese, craft beers and wine.

Nordstrom Is Closing At This LA County Mall

"We believe we’ll be best able to serve customers in the area by leveraging our surrounding stores and through our digital channels."

Erewhon Opens New Store In Mahattan Beach

The store, which has gone viral due to its $19 smoothies and celebrity endorsements, is opening its new location on Wednesday.

Beloved CA Ice Cream Brand May Yet Survive Rite Aid's Meltdown

Rite Aid may be going bankrupt, but its beloved ice cream brand could live on under new ownership.

Upscale Thrift Clothing Shop Reopens In Southwest Riverside County

This favored clothing resale shop shuttered months ago, leaving workers and sustainable shoppers in a lurch. On Tuesday, that changed.

Pop Mart, Arcade, Training Gym Coming To Stoneridge Mall

The popular doll retailer just opened at the Stoneridge Shopping Center, and many more businesses are scheduled to open later this year.

More Business News

45,000 Strike-Ready Grocery Workers Weigh Next Move As Negotiators Make Major Announcement

Grocery workers across the country are striking or getting ready to walk off the job at the nation's biggest supermarket chains.

Sales Of Marvel Comics Memorabilia Land SoCal Man In Prison

Mac Martin Anderson, 59, was sentenced last week by a federal judge.

New CA Law To Impact All Bars, Nightclubs In The State

The Golden State is taking steps to protect Californians while they imbibe.

7-Eleven Worker Killed By Her Manager In LA Convenience Store Attack

The family of a 24-year-old woman who was allegedly beaten by her manager at a 7-Eleven is trying to raise money for her funeral.

5 New CA Laws That Will Affect Your Wallet

New laws enacted this week, take aim at pet-insurance premiums, health insurance, hidden fees at hotels, and auto-renewals.

Dodgers Sued Over Diversity Policies By Group Founded By Trump Insider

The conservative legal group says the Dodgers' commitment to DEI amounts to illegal discrimination.