CA City That Banned Chains Downtown Accidentally Approves Little Caesars

SEBASTOPOL, CA — Despite a ban on chain businesses, downtown Sebastopol is getting a Little Caesars due to a processing error by the city.

In a notice posted on its website last month, the city explained approvals for the pizzeria at 231 Petaluma Ave. “occurred in error during the processing and issuance of permits.”

“Due to this error, permits were issued for a business that may not have otherwise been approved for this location under current zoning regulations,” the notice said. “Following legal review, it has been determined that the business will be allowed to operate at this location.”

Chains have been banned in downtown Sebastopol since 2018, according to The Press Democrat, which reported Little Caesars — the world’s third-largest pizza chain — planned to open on Petaluma Avenue in the coming days.

“There it was,” Steve DeCosse, owner of Acre Pizza, told The Press Democrat of his experience seeing the chain’s sign in town last month. “Little Caesars. How the hell did that happen?”

In its notice, the city said it had initiated a review of the permitting process to find out what caused the mistake. It is also implementing better protocols, more staff training and procedural safeguards, according to the notice.

Gurdip Pahal and his family, who own and will operate the store, in a prepared statement characterized the pizzeria as "a family-owned small business" and said they were "proud to be opening our next Little Caesars in Sebastopol."

"Our family has lived and worked in this region for years, and we already operate restaurants in Rohnert Park, Windsor, Santa Rosa, among other locations in the area," the statement said. "We are proud to be franchisees for the Little Caesars brand, which is the only major national pizza chain that is still family owned and operated.

"We know how much Sebastopol values its character, and our goal is to contribute to the community, not change it. We followed the city’s permitting process in good faith, are honored that we were approved to join this vibrant community and are focused on serving our neighbors and supporting local organizations. We can’t wait to meet everyone for our grand opening celebration in the coming weeks.”