Last-Minute Law on Restaurant Fees Inches Toward Approval Ahead of July 1 Deadline

Last-Minute Law on Restaurant Fees Inches Toward Approval Ahead of July 1 Deadline

It’s a race to July 1, as state lawmakers rush through a bill that will keep restaurant surcharges legal in the state of California. That piece of legislation, Senate Bill 1524, was unanimously approved by the California Assembly on Monday, clearing one of the last few hurdles to becoming a law, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Now, a concurrence vote is set for this week, allowing the Senate to approve final changes to the bill before it heads to Governor Gavin Newsom.

Senate Bill 1524 was introduced on June 6 to clarify the state’s “junk fee ban” which outlaws undisclosed fees from businesses such as rental car dealers and concert ticket sellers — and, yes, restaurants — and goes into effect on July 1. The inclusion of restaurants in the original bill caused an uproar in the hospitality industry, and Senator Bill Dodd, D-Napa, created SB1524 in response, which states that restaurant fees will remain legal so long as they are presented “clearly and conspicuously” to diners. We’ll see if the bill will be approved before the July 1 junk fee ban start date.

Japan’s Hinodeya to open fourth SF location

Ramen heads have a new location of Japan’s Hinodeya to frequent when the restaurant chain opens its latest at 3340 Steiner Street in August. Hinodeya takes over the former Jaranita location in the Marina, the San Francisco Business Times reports, and the fourth-generation ramen business will serve its signature ramen made with fish and seaweed stock.

Stonestown Galleria McDonald’s closes

Mallgoers and SF State students may be disheartened to hear that the long-running McDonald’s at Stonestown Galleria has closed after 30 years. SFGATE reports the location at 255 Winston Drive closed as of Sunday, June 23, according to a message left on the storefront. Franchise owner Scott Rodrick told the news outlet in a statement that lease negotiations with landlord Brookfield Properties ultimately failed. Paired with the California minimum wage increase that began on April 1, which created “economic headwinds” for the business, Rodrick says he decided to close the Stonestown location.

Pizza Night begins at Black Jet Baking Co.

Black Jet Baking Co. is known for pastries, cakes, bread, and more, served during the day at the Bernal Heights bakery. But starting Tuesday, June 25, Black Jet will extend its hours on Tuesdays, hosting a pizza night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The inaugural menu features three pizzas: cheese, pepperoni, and a Brentwood corn option, with black pepper and Parmesan. There will also be non-pizza bites, such as baby grinders and tiramisu.