New Law To Spike Grocery Bills | In-N-Out Opposition Spurs Drive-Thru Ban | Costco Shakeup: CA Business News

CALIFORNIA — This week in California business news: A brand-new menu item has landed at Golden State Costco food courts, an iconic restaurant known and loved among California road-trippers is getting demolished and the world's largest fast food chain has landed in the Bay Area.

Additionally, United Airlines is ditching the middle seat with a special Economy Plus row on its new planes.

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

• Shake Shack is offering customers a single scoop of frozen custard for $3 through Aug. 19. Diners can enter the code CUSTARDTIME on the Shake Shack app, website or in-restaurant kiosks.
• Similarly, Wendy's is offering a small Frosty to customers for $1 through August 23. More info.

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

• New Costco Food Court Item Hits CA Stores, Replacing Divisive Menu Item
• United Employee Threatened To Call ICE On Passenger At SFO: Reports
• 34 Lobsters Hidden In Baby Stroller, Bags Seized In SoCal
• United To Ditch The Middle Seat With Special Economy Plus Row On New Planes
• CA Grocery Prices Expected To Spike As Fees From New Law Begin
• Proposed In-N-Out Spurs Push To Ban New Drive-Thrus In One SoCal City
• CA Property Sells For $10 Despite Being Valued At $900K — But There's A Catch
• World's Biggest Fast Food Chain Comes To Bay Area — Why You Might Not Have Heard Of It
• Grocery Chain Expands Facial Recognition At Local Stores
• Favorite Restaurant Of Road-Tripping Californians To Get Demolished After Losing Landmark Status
• 12 states Challenge Paramount's Takeover of Warner, Say Merger Would 'Extinguish Competition'
• Papa Murphy’s To Close Up To 50 Stores: See CA Locations

More Restaurant News

Gordon Ramsay Opens New Themed Restaurant In Downtown Disney

The new British-themed restaurant launched its soft opening in Downtown Disney Monday.

MIXT Opens New Restaurant In Walnut Creek

The California fast-casual chain opened its 21st restaurant with community events and limited-time customer giveaways.

Cannabis Cafés One Step Closer To Becoming A Reality In San Francisco

The new ordinance allowing cannabis cafés in the city now only needs the approval of the mayor before going into law.

Beloved Dana Point Restaurant Announces Closure After 50+ Years

The restaurant has been in operation at the harbor since 1972 and will shut its doors for good on Sept. 15.

More Retail News

43 Korean Beauty, Lifestyle Brands Coming To The Grove For LA Pop-Up

The monthlong “LIVE SEOUL” experience will feature emerging K-beauty, food, wellness and lifestyle products.

IKEA Sets Opening Date For South Bay San Diego County Location

IKEA has operated in the San Diego market since opening its Mission Valley store in 2000.

Grocery Outlet Plans CA Expansion Following Mass Closures

The discount supermarket is widely known for its low prices and snappy jingle.

Protest Planned At Major Pet Store In Northern CA Calling For End To Live Animal Sales

Animal rights activists say the demonstration is part of a broader campaign to expand California's restrictions on retail animal sales.

2 Historic Hot Springs Resorts In Southwest Riverside County Receive National Recognition

They were selected as the top-two geothermal wellness destinations in the country.

More Business News

5-Star Hotel Settles Wildfire Price-Gouging Case Brought By LA County DA

“It is reprehensible to overcharge and take advantage of wildfire victims," District Attorney Nathan Hochman said.

Real Estate Agent In Eaton Fire Rent Gouging Case Ordered To Take Ethics Class

The agent must also write an apology letter to the victims and pay $20,000 to a disaster relief fund, among other things, authorities said.

State Laws May Make Rockridge Trader Joe's Housing Development Hard To Stop

"The idea of a 35 and 20-story building in that location is just an insult to the neighborhood," one person said.

East Bay Woman Who Ran Illegal Alcohol Business At Lake Merritt Arrested: Police

Police say they had already warned the vendor, but she continued selling.

Drive To Double 'Soda Tax' To 2 Cents Will Be On Ballot After Procedural Vote By City Council

A citizen-led initiative triggering the measure was formally placed on the ballot by the City Council at its regular meeting Tuesday.

Home Prices Rebound Across California, Remain High In LA, Orange Counties

In Los Angeles County, the median price was $910,370 in June, an increase from $838,350 in May, and up 0.7% from June 2025.

Trump-Connected Contractor Behind Tijuana River Project Awarded Second No-Bid Contract

Greenwater Services, owned by a Trump donor, has received about $2.8 million in federal contracts tied to the two projects, a report said.

Temecula-Based Southwest Traders Opening Massive Menifee Headquarters

"Southwest Traders expects to begin operations from its Menifee headquarters facility in Fall 2026," according to the city of Menifee.

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