Steep Grocery Price Cuts | Costco Opening | From Parking Lot Pop-Up To $1B In 8 Years: CA Business News

CALIFORNIA — This week in California business news: Los Angeles' newest Trader Joe's opened right across the street from another one, Walmart is bringing a classic fast food chain inside its stores, and a rival of Hooters has closed its only California store.

Additionally, a business that started as a pop-up in a Los Angeles parking lot eight years ago just sold for nearly $1 billion.

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

• Discount grocer Aldi — whose fans praise its blend of quality, value and unique items — is going big on discounts this summer in what seems like something more than just a publicity stunt. The chain is dropping prices on 400 items, which equates to a quarter of its inventory, and the discounts are as much as 33%.
• Throughout June, Target is offering special giveaways and discounts every week with its Hello Summer Saturdays. Each Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., customers can get a free charm and enjoy a one-off discount, like 50% off pool toys. Read more here.

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

• Hooters Rival Closes Its Only CA Restaurant
• This Iconic San Francisco Business Is Closing Its Doors After Over A Century
• Born As A $900 Parking Lot Pop-Up, LA Chain Sells For Nearly $1B Just 8 Years Later
• Trader Joe's Newest LA Store Is Directly Across The Street From Another Trader Joe's
• This Bay Area City Tracks Visitors' Movements For Chamber of Commerce: Reports
• This Iconic CA Food Chain Is Opening Locations In Walmart Stores
• Disney Lays Off Hundreds: Reports

The Bottom Line

• Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed a $750 million expansion of the state's film and tax credit system for the film and TV industry. The effort comes as one of the state's signature industries has seen a downturn due, in part, to competition from other states and countries that offer more lucrative tax incentives.
• Two bills that set out to regulate artificial intelligence have passed the state Senate, potentially setting the stage for a conflict with federal efforts to block state-level AI regulation.

More Restaurant News

New Restaurant Coming To Santee Lakes

The grand opening event, scheduled Father's Day weekend, will include food and drink specials, live music, and family-friendly activities.

San Francisco's Bayview Sees Revitalization With New Restaurants

A string of new restaurants in one San Francisco neighborhood is generating some buzz.

Local Lawmakers Demand Answers Regarding San Diego ICE Restaurant Raid

Buona Forchetta has reopened after shuttering for several days following the raid.

Tacos El Ultimo Baile To Close Oakland Shop, Move To San Francisco's Ikea Food Hall

"It seems like it's a little brighter on that side," said owner Dominic Prado.

More Retail News

Costco Plans New Orange County Store

Warehouse retail giant and well-loved chain Costco wants to build its 14th Orange County store.

Downtown Disney Eatery Set To Close; 167 Employees Laid Off

Earl of Sandwich will close its temporary location at Downtown Disney and lay off 167 employees to make way for a new Porto's Bakery.

New Bowling Alley To Replace Shuttered Movie Theater In South OC

The former Krikorian Cinema is getting new life, thanks to a local couple that plans to turn the site into a bowling alley.

More Business News

Nike And Lego Play Arena Coming To Legoland California Resort

Nike and the Lego Group have partnered to bring the limited-time experience to the Carlsbad-based theme park.

SeaWorld Settles Class Action Lawsuit Over Annual Pass Auto-Renewals

The lawsuit alleged SeaWorld's website did not disclose that passes would automatically renew after one year.

Meta And Constellation Sign 20-Year Nuclear Power Deal In Illinois To Power AI

The investment with Meta will also expand the output of a Constellation Energy Illinois nuclear plant.

CA's Cuts In Rooftop Solar Payments Were Illegal, Environmentalists Tell High Court

Environmental groups want to revive higher payments to panel owners. But the subsidies were unfair to non-solar ratepayers, regulators say.

Billionaire Chris Larsen's $9.4 Million Donation To Fund New SFPD Investigation Center

According to the mayor's office, the donation comes from Chris Larsen, co-founder of Ripple.

Langer’s Deli Owner Accused Of Sexual Harassment By Former Server

The former server claims Norm Langer touched her inappropriately and offered to be her "sugar daddy."

Some Travelers May Face Major Delays At These CA Airports

Traveling this summer? Recent data shows significant delays and long wait times at a few major California airports.

Marc Maron To End Pioneering Podcast Recorded Out Of His LA Garage

Marc Maron’s groundbreaking show, "WTF," helped define the podcast format through unfiltered interviews and cultural relevance.

Menlo Park Plan To Use Parking Lots For Housing Plan Stirs Debate Among Residents

The city has a plan to turn three city-owned parking lots downtown into developments with hundreds of units of affordable housing by 2031.

NorCal City Prepares For Possible Closure Of Valero Refinery, Its Largest Employer And Top Taxpayer

"Valero represents in direct contributions to our economy between $10 and $12 million a year," said Benicia Mayor Steve Young.

New Temecula Valley Balloon And Wine Festival Owners Making Big Changes: What To Know

In a few short weeks, the road out to Lake Skinner will be lined with cars journeying for a weekend of country concerts, camping and more.

'Girls Gather' In Temecula: Trailblazing Entrepreneurs Hold Creative Workshops

Women from throughout the region are invited to celebrate and learn from local women who are total rock stars in their respective fields.