In-N-Out Changes | Barbershop Cat Kidnapped | CA's Economic Outlook | Free Hot Chocolate: CA Business News

CALIFORNIA — This week in California business news: In-N-Out is expanding and set to open in a brand-new market by the end of the year, the owner of a barbershop is reeling after his beloved cat was kidnapped by ransacking burglars, and Panda Express has settled allegations that its workers mishandled a hazardous substance.

Additionally, economists say the state's economy is expected to "soften" at the beginning of next year.

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

• On Fridays through Dec. 12, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf customers can get a free hot chocolate with any beverage purchase from noon to close for Festive Fridays.
• Planning for next year's summer vacation? Disneyland has a new discount offer: $50 kids tickets that go on sale soon. Check out all the details here.

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

• Harley-Davidson Dealerships Are Closing Across CA
• Panda Express Employees Mishandled Hazardous Chemical At CA Locales: DA
• In-N-Out Expanding To This New Market By End Of Year
• Netflix Breaks Record With 'Stranger Things' Season 5
• CA Economy To Soften In Early 2026, UCLA Economists Report
• National Retailer Closing 20 Locations, Laying Off 900 Workers: What It Means For CA
• CA City Takes On Household Brands As First In U.S. To Sue Over Ultra-Processed Foods
• Founder And President Of ADHD Startup Convicted In Adderall Case
• Rents Expected To Keep Rising In SoCal: Which Counties Will Be Hit Hardest
• Pet Cremation Business Owner Arrested After Thousands Of Carcasses Found
• Beloved Barbershop Cat Kidnapped By Ransacking Burglars

More Restaurant News

Specialty Coffee Chain Opens 1st LA Location

Dutch Bros. has opened its first location in Los Angeles.

Toast In Murrieta Closed Until Further Notice After Fire Damages The Popular Eatery

"Sometimes things don't go as planned ...," the eatery shared Monday.

Helms Bakery To Close 1 Year After Opening

Helms Bakery will close a year after it opened.

San Diegans Get First Taste Of New Jersey Mike's Sub

San Diego was selected as one of four test markets to try the new hot sub.

Temecula Eatery Closes Quietly In Vail Ranch Plaza

If you stop by this favored spot for chopped salads in Temecula, you'll find the lights are off, and no one is answering.

More Retail News

Slime Kitchen Plans SoCal Expansion

Slime Kitchen gives kids — and kids at heart — the chance to be a chef, chemist and creator all at once, according to the growing company.

East Bay Department Store To Close

It's the latest closure for the nearly 125-year old chain, and just six locations will remain in the Bay Area after this one shutters.

Canada's Largest Asian Grocery Chain Is Quickly Expanding In The Bay Area

Construction is already underway at the San Jose and San Francisco locations; now, Millbrae is getting in the loop.

Scrutiny Continues For Walmart Gas Station Planned In Lake Elsinore

The project is slated for a 1.10-acre site within the existing Walmart Supercenter parking lot at 29260 Central Avenue.

Beloved Shop To Close In RivCo After 45 Years Following Death Of Owner: Report

Dorothea Dinmore's colorful and whimsical shop specializing in clothing, housewares, gifts and more opened in 1980.

Esri Co-Founders Purchase Distressed Redlands Mall: Report

The new owners plan community-focused redevelopment of the property.

New Hardware Store Opens In Rancho Santa Margarita

A new Ace Hardware store just opened up on Santa Margarita Parkway. What to know.

New Indian Restaurant Opens In Dublin

Pippal, an award-winning restaurant in Emeryville, opened a Dublin location focused on diverse cuisines from all over India.

More Business News

FBI Shuts Down Online 'Pig Butchering' Cryptocurrency Investment Scam

More than 400 San Diegans were among the victims of the Southeast Asia-based crypto investment fraud scam, according to the FBI.

New Livermore Restaurant Offers Full Coffee & Mediterranean Menus

Meza n Moka boasts all-day menu offering everything from a Nutella espresso to lamb chops to kebabs to crepes to burgers.

More Than New 1,400 Homes On 300 Acres Eyed Across Banning, Beaumont

Banning and Beaumont city officials will take up separate proposals this week.

New CA Law To Trigger Big Change For Grocery Shopping In 2026

While the state technically implemented this ban more than 10 years ago, lawmakers hope this new law will close a "nasty loophole."

Lego Galaxy, Legoland California Resort's New Land, To Open In March 2026

The new land's main attraction, Galacticoaster, marks Legoland California Resort's first new coaster in two decades.

Bay Area Watchdog Fines Chevron Refinery $900,000 For Failure To Monitor Emissions

The Bay Area Air District fined Chevron $900,000 for failing to properly monitor air pollution emissions at its refinery in Richmond.

Big Bear, Snow Summit Opens Ski Slopes For The 2025 Ski Season

Grab your sunglasses and head to the slopes. The Inland Empire ski resorts are open, and conditions remain ripe for making snow.

How To Claim Your Share Of Amazon's $2.5B Prime Settlement In CA

The e-commerce giant was ordered to pay a settlement amid allegations that the company enrolled millions in Prime without their consent.

Temecula Valley Wine Country Archway Sign Unveiled In Temecula: Residents Weigh In

What do you think of the new Riverside County-funded sign?

LA Quits Coal: City Announces Full Divestment From Coal-Powered Electricity

"This is a defining moment for the city of Los Angeles," Mayor Karen Bass said.

These Vending Machines In RivCo Offer Opportunities To Help Those In Need

This holiday season, residents passing by this "Giving Machine" can stop to help veterans, refugees, those without housing and more.