Business & Tech

Popular Chain Abruptly Shuts Down | In-N-Out DUI | Ikea, Trader Joe's Expansions: CA Business News

Catch up with the latest CA consumer and business news, plus under-the-radar stories and the week's best sales and freebies.

CALIFORNIA — This week in California business news: A man who fell asleep while drunk in the drive-thru of an In-N-Out was sentenced to prison; a popular restaurant chain abruptly closed; and the sale of a Southern California home shattered a real estate record.

Additionally, a California community is offering new homes at relatively affordable prices — but only for those who are willing to commit in writing to being kind.

But before getting to the biggest business stories in the Golden State, here are some of the best consumer deals of the week:

Find out what's happening in Across Californiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Freebies, Deals And Steals

  • Several chains have announced Independence Day promotions ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. Krispy Kreme is offering two sweet deals. Anyone wearing red, white and blue can get a free original glazed doughnut on July 4. From July 2-5, customers can also buy any dozen or 16-count minis at regular price and get an original glazed dozen for just $2.50. More details here.
  • Applebee's is bringing back its popular $1 Dollarita for the month of July. The cocktail, made with tequila, triple sec and lime, will be available beginning July 1 at participating locations nationwide. More info here.

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

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

Find out what's happening in Across Californiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Reunion Kitchen will close it's Laguna Beach locations come June 28.

CA Restaurant Resilience Grant Applications Remain Open Through June 30: How To Apply

There is still time for restaurants that meet these parameters to apply for the annual grants.

Favored Italian Restaurant Closes With Final Temecula Salute!

This favored Italian restaurant, which moved from Murrieta to Temecula, would serve its last guest Thursday night.

Iconic SoCal Steakhouse Shutters Last IE Location

It's been a slow progression of closures for this once beloved restaurant chain. This was the last one in the Inland Empire.

LB Steak Closing San Ramon Location

LB Steak is closing in San Ramon and San Jose, part of a wave of closures that affected seven Bay Area restaurants.

Little Bar Forced To Remove Big Deck, A COVID Outdoor Dining Remnant In Palm Desert

The Big Deck at the Little Bar in Palm Desert is coming down on Monday.

McDonald's Classic Fried Apple Pie Returns To CA Locations Ahead Of America's 250th Birthday

McDonald's said the return coincides with celebrations leading up to the nation's 250th birthday.

Viral 'Le Petit Chef' Serves Up Immersive Dinner Show In San Diego

The roughly two-hour experience follows the animated "world's smallest chef" as he travels through culinary challenges.

Walnut Creek Restaurant Finds Success With Unusual Twist

Walnut Creek restaurant draws diners with a pan-Mediterranean vegetarian menu.

More Retail News

A Toy Store's Future In Castro Valley Looked Uncertain. Then, Community Showed Up

The owners were unable to renew their lease after the building they were in was sold, according to a Kickstarter campaign.

IKEA Opens New Pleasanton Location

The new Johnson Drive location allows customers to meet with IKEA employees to plan and order home furnishings and pick up online orders.

Major Housewares Brand Expanding As 22 New Stores Open — Including 2 In CA

The stores fall under a new format and are integrated with a home organization retailer that the brand is acquiring.

Trader Joe's Opens 6 New Stores, With Plans Underway For 9 More — See Where

The California-based grocery chain is continuing to expand.

More Business News

Boys Seen Hanging Out Of Waymo During Rush Hour In Santa Monica

A witness called Waymo customer service and was told the company could shut off the vehicle, but it did not, KABC reported.

CA EV Maker Plans Mass Layoffs After Announcing Major Flaw In Popular Model

Lucid Group already laid off about 300 employees in February — the third layoff for the company since 2023.

Employee Shot During Armed Robbery At Santa Monica Store: Police

An officer applied a tourniquet and the worker was taken to a hospital, police said.

Healdsburg Barber Shop Builds Business Behind The Chair Through Relationships

A young entrepreneur turned a curiosity into a thriving barber shop in Healdsburg where community connections matter as much as haircuts.

Picklr To Open First San Diego County Club

The 36,300-square-foot facility will include 10 courts, including a championship-sized court, a pro shop and private event space.

Pleasanton Bakery Opening Livermore Location

Primrose Bakery, which specializes in European treats, will open a new location on South J Street in Livermore, the owners announced.

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