Iconic Restaurant Closes | Celebrities Invade Town | CA's Best Burger: CA Business News

CALIFORNIA — This week in California business news: A popular restaurant chain anouned the closure of 21 locations, celebrities have been spotted all over one California town over the course of ongoing filming, and a stunning 277-Acre California ranch with a breathtaking waterfall and rolling green hills hit the market for less than $1 million.

Additionally, the founder of one of California's most beloved comfort food chains passed away at 98 this week, and major California city raised its minimum wage to $30 for workers in the tourism industry.

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

• May is National Burger Month, and Shake Shack's celebration is ongoing. The chain is offering customers a free burger with any $10 purchase. This week, it's the ShackBurger from May 26-June 1. Get more information here.

• Burger King is also celebrating National Burger Month with giveaways this week. Royal Perks members can get a buy-one get-one free Whopper Monday, May 26, and a free Original Chicken Sandwich with a minimum purchase of $1 Tuesday, and a free hamburger with a minimum purchase of $1 Wednesday.
• This one is just for the class of 2025: Black Angus Steakhouse is celebrating graduation season by treating college graduates to a free entrée when they dine in wearing their cap and gown. Get all the details here.

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

• Iconic San Francisco Restaurant Closing After Over 30 Years
• This Fast-Casual Chain Is Closing Up To 21 Locations, Has 8 In CA
• Celebrities Spotted Across San Francisco As Movie Films In City
• 277-Acre Ranch With Stunning Waterfall, Mountain View Priced Under $1M

• Founder of Beloved SoCal Comfort Food Chain Dies At 98
• This Restaurant Makes The Best Burger In CA, Popular Food Website Says
• Salmonella Outbreak In CA: At Least 1 Sickened By Tainted Cucumbers
• Wages For Hotel, Airport Workers Will Increase To $30 In Los Angeles
• Legislators Investigate 65 Cent Per Gallon Gas 'Tax' Hike In CA
• Historic Laguna Beach Hotel Under Fire For Privatizing Beach
• ‘No Tax On Tips’ Pledge Advances: What CA Workers Should Know

The Bottom Line

• A watchdog group is warning that Californian utility companies are already lobbying for more rate hikes across the state even as investigations continue into Southern California Edison's role in the Los Angles wildfires. The major CA utility companies spent nearly $22 billion lobbying in 2024, allowing them to limit liability for destructive wildfires their companies caused, KNX News reported. The Utility Reform Network (TURN) is urging residents who want to see the utilities hedl liable for wildfires while limiting rate increases to call their legislators.
• A California grocery store with a cult following was ranked the most reputable brand in the country in the 2025 Axios Harris Poll 100. Trader Joes was ranked number 1 above the likes of Patagonia, Costco, Microsoft, UPS, Samsung and Home Depot.

More Restaurant News

Starbucks Rival Widens Footprint In Southwest Riverside County

The popular drive-through offers a full lineup of cold and hot coffees and teas. Some baked goods are also available.

New South Bay Vietnamese Eatery Aims To Bridge Gap Between Cultures

Bernard and Phuong Hoang took a "leap of faith" when they opened their first restaurant in Los Angeles. Now, they're expanding to San Pedro.

Man Pulls Out Knife At Taco Bell In San Carlos: Police

Police received reports of the incident Monday afternoon.

13 CA Restaurants Added To Michelin Guide 2025: See List

Restaurants across the state were added to the newest guide, and judges will soon decide whether to award them stars.

The Stand Opening 2nd San Diego County Location

The Los Angeles-based fast-casual chain is known for its customizable takes on American classics.

Burglar Poses As DoorDash Driver In SoCal: Police

Once the woman confirmed the home was vacant, she waited as lookout and sent in two men, who jumped the fence and forced entry, police said.

More Business News

How California Can Reform Medical Billing So Patients Aren't Overwhelmed With Debt: Opinion

California lawmakers have an opportunity to protect patients from being saddled with preventable but crushing medical debt.

New VEG Pet Hospital Opens In Palm Desert

VEG ER for Pets is open in Palm Desert for pet emergencies 24/7, including holidays.

Valley Humane Hosting Ribbon Cutting For Refurbished Adoption Center

The refurbishment includes an updated look to the 2011 building, including new paint and signage.

Wells Fargo Donates $250K To Support Financial Empowerment In Bay Area

A total of $1 million will strengthen SparkPoint centers and community resilience programs across California.

Valley Humane Hosting Ribbon Cutting For Refurbished Adoption Center

The refurbishment includes an updated look to the 2011 building, including new paint and signage.

LA County Residents to Receive Medical Debt Relief

Medical debt relief notices will start going out next week for more than 34,000 Los Angeles County resident.

SoCal Edison To Pay Record Sum For Destructive LA County Wildfire

The Bobcat Fire burned through more than 100,000 acres, most of which were in the Angeles National Forest, in 2020.

San Francisco Bay Fish Are Contaminated With Levels Of ‘Forever Chemicals' That Could Harm Anglers

California has no health standards for these chemicals in fish, so activists are urging action.

CA Leaders Implore Congress To Maintain Tax Cuts, Opportunity Zones

An earlier study found the typical California tax filer’s taxes would rise $3,769 if the tax cut expires.

1,000 Jobs Spared In $14B Budget Approved By City Council

New spending will be curtailed, and police hiring will slow in the upcoming fiscal year.

Man Scammed Encino Elderly Out Of Thousands Through Cyberattack Scheme

Tai Su, 49, of West Covina, was arrested by federal authorities during a sting operation at the victims' Encino home.

Bass Wants To Slash Red Tape To Help Boost Film, TV Production

"The city is taking bold action to support our legacy industry," Mayor Karen Bass said.

Wave Waterpark Reopens Memorial Day

The beloved water park is almost open for the season. Learn more about schedules and pricing.

New Dublin Night Market Seeks Vendors

The new Night Market at St. Pat's Row will feature vendors, food, and live music and entertainment three Friday nights this fall.