Starbucks Strike Planned | Parking Lot 'Sabotage' | $1 Fast Food Meals : CA Business News

CALIFORNIA — This week in California business news: Starbucks baristas are preparing for a possible strike on one of the chain's most important days, Google Maps is getting smarter, one fast food chain says it's helping out during the government shutdown with $1 meals, another fast food chain announced plans to close hundreds of stores.

Additionally, five accused California credit card fraudsters are being extradited to Germany after authorities in that country said the complex scheme set up by the men resulted in the creation of a "shadow financial system."

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

Veterans Day is Tuesday and many businesses are offering deals to those who served or are currently in the military:

• STK Steakhouse is giving away a complimentary entree up to $69.
• At Lawry's The Prime Rib, all veterans will receive 20% off their bill.
• Those looking for a more casual meal can head to Farmer Boys, which is offering veterans with a $4 Big Cheese burger.
• And Belmont Park and SeaWorld are among the theme parks offering free admission.

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

• Major Fast Food Chain To Close Hundreds Of Locations: What To Know In CA
• Starbucks Workers Get Ready To Strike On Chain's Annual Red Cup Day
• 'Sabotage': Contractor Rips Up CA Animal Hospital Parking Lot Over Payment Dispute
• Google, Find Me A Clean Public Bathroom: Google Maps Getting Smart AI
• This Fast Food Chain Is Selling $1 Meals To SoCal Customers During Shutdown
• Taco Bell Opening 3 New Beverage-Centric 'Live Más' Cafés In CA
• A Golden State Renter's Market: How Apartment Rents Compare Across California
• 5 SoCal Credit Card Fraudsters To Be Extradited To Germany: DOJ

More Retail & Restaurant News

Iconic LA Deli Is Here To Stay — At Least Until After The Olympics, Owner Says

The owner had previously suggested shuttering the iconic eatery over concerns about homelessness and crime.

New Restaurant, Wine Bar To Open In Rancho Cucamonga

Come for seasonally inspired dishes made with oak-fire grilling and brick-oven roasting cooking techniques, and each one under 595 calories.

Philz Coffee Opens New Pleasanton Location, First Drive-Thru In Northern California

The beloved Bay Area chain is hosting the grand opening of its new Santa Rita Road location Wednesday.

Einstein Bros. Bagels Opens New Bakery In San Diego's South County

Customers who visit the new location can get a buy one, get one free egg sandwich.

IE Bath & Body Works Opens With 'Scent Bar,' New Layout, Upgraded Shopping Space

The best way to shop for scents is in person, Bath & Body Works says. This store in the Inland Empire offers all the new bells and whistles.

Japanese Market, Restaurant Plaza Opening In Pleasant Hill

Osaka Marketplace plans to open a 42,000-square-foot "grocerant" combining a full Japanese grocery store and several small restaurants.

A Quick Look At The New Businesses Transforming Hayward's Downtown

From Mediterranean cuisine to coffee and a spa, these businesses are transforming a Bay Area city's downtown area.

Popular Livermore Restaurant Reopens After Months-Long Hiatus

Zephyr Grill & Bar hosted a grand reopening Friday after a small kitchen fire required months of cleaning and renovations.

Custom Fireplace Patio & BBQ Moves From Dublin To Pleasanton

The luxury outdoor living showroom moved to a 10,000-square-foot showroom in Pleasanton after more than 50 years in Dublin.

More Business News

LA To Study Impacts Of State Law Promoting Higher Density Housing Near Transit

The City Council has instructed city departments to analyze how SB 79 will impact Los Angeles.

Study Reveals Source Of Rain Is Major Factor Behind Drought Risks For Farmers

The source of a region's rainfall can be a key indicator of how vulnerable crops are to climate change, according to a UC San Diego study.

Trove Of Apple Products Found At Identity Thief's NorCal Home: Police

Dozens of Apple products, which police believe were purchased fraudulently, were found at the woman's Marin County home, police said.

$10K In High-End Cigar Lighters Stolen From NorCal Business: Police

Police said they arrested two people after officers identified them as possible suspects in the burglary.

CA Company Linked To Listeria Outbreak That Killed 6, Caused Miscarriage: FDA

An investigation traced the illnesses to recalled ready-to-eat pasta meals that sourced pasta from Roseville-based Nate's Fine Foods.

PG&E Responds To Federal Bill Prohibiting Secret Meetings With Regulators

"It's absolutely insane that every time PG&E wants a rate increase the CPUC just gives it to them, no questions asked," Rep. Harder said.