TV Star Turned Amazon Deliveryman | Fine Dining's Secret $19 Steak | Eatery 'Ponzi Scheme': CA Business News

CALIFORNIA — This week in California business news: A Mexican chain is facing accusations that it's a "Ponzi scheme" masquerading as a restaurant, Ticketmaster has been ruled a monopoly in a federal court case, and the winery formerly behind Trader Joe's "two-buck chuck" is heading to the auction block.

Additionally, a celebrated former sitcom star says California's languid entertainment industry economy is so tough he's turned to delivering packages for Amazon.

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

• This is the last week to take advantage of Dairy Queen's 99-cent Blizzard deal. Customers can get a Blizzard for 99 cents when they buy one at full price. The deal is good once per day. More info.
• Monday is 4/20 — the holiday celebrating the consumption of cannabis. Whether you partake or not, there's deals to be had on munchies, including a buy-one, get-one deal at Chipotle. Check out this roundup for a list of deals and discounts.

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

• A Hidden Fine Dining Restaurant Is Serving Up A $19 Steak In This CA City
• How These 55 CA Stations Can Offer Gas $1 Cheaper Per Gallon Than Most
• This Famous Actor Is Delivering For Amazon Flex
• Mexican Restaurant Chain Accused Of Being 'Ponzi Scheme' In CA: Report
• Former 'Two-Buck Chuck' Winery To Be Auctioned
• CA Nurse Served 15 Shots On Cruise Ship Awarded $300K By Jury
• Commercial Salmon Fishing To Open In CA For First Time In 4 Years As Population Rebounds
• Ticketmaster, Live Nation Had Anticompetitive Monopoly Over Big Concert Venues, Jury Finds
• 'I Made A Mistake': Public Outcry Prompts Philz Coffee CEO To Backtrack On Pride Flag
• Controversy-Ridden Restaurant Selling $150 Vinegar Online

More Restaurant News

Popular CA Taco Shop Faces Backlash For CEO's MAGA Ties

The restaurant is often credited with inventing the California burrito.

Old Town Temecula's Gaucho Grill Is Hiring As Argentinian Steakhouse Prepares To Open

The Gaucho Grill Argentine Steakhouse will soon open in the historic Old Town Bank building after an extensive historic renovation.

Erewhon To Open At LACMA’s New $724M Building

The high-end grocer is coming to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Beloved Orange County Seafood Restaurant Shuts Down Service

The restaurant opened its doors in 2021 in Old Town Orange and will serve its final meal on April 30.

New Revolving Sushi Restaurant To Open In Temecula: What To Know About Kura Sushi

Temecula's new Kura Sushi, also known as "conveyor belt sushi," prepares for its grand opening this month.

More Retail News

New Beach Footwear Retailer Opens At SMC Shopping Center

A Bay Area couple bring their coastal-themed footwear store to the shopping center, offering popular brands.

Hollister, Japanese Eateries Coming To Stoneridge Mall

Apparel retailer Hollister and two Japanese food spots are set to open later this year in Pleasanton.

Skylight Books Plans 2nd LA Location

The bookstore says its second location has enough room for a cafe.

7-Eleven Plans Mass Closures: Here’s What It Could Mean For CA Stores

The parent company of 7-Eleven plans to close hundreds of the iconic convenience stores across North America. Some may be in California.

More Business News

Major Airline Faces Collapse Due To High Fuel Prices: What CA Travelers Should Know

Rising fuel prices amid the U.S. war with Iran are putting an immense strain on the airline.

CA's $20 Minimum Wage For Fast-Food Workers May Have 'Consequences': Report

AB 1228 was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in April 2024, which included a minimum wage increase from $16.90.

Railroad Car Full Of Amazon Packages Catches Fire In LA, 2nd Blaze This Week

For the second time in a week, the contents of a shipping container carrying Amazon packages caught fire in LA.

Olympics Officials 'Closely Monitoring' Reaction To Wasserman's Connection To Ghislaine Maxwell

LA28's leader appeared in a recent batch of Epstein files.

Family Of Missing Bay Area Coffeeshop Owner Offers $10K Reward For Her Return

Amy Hillyard was last seen on March 25 in Oakland, police said.

Hollywood Heavyweights Voice 'Unequivocal Opposition' To Paramount-Warner Merger

"Alarmingly, this merger would reduce the number of major U.S. film studios to just four," the open letter reads.

Bay Area Bike Program Pays Commuters To Ditch Their Cars

The city of Palo Alto pays him to stay out of traffic. And instead of low-grade road rage, he starts his day on the right foot.

CA Democrats Are Clamoring To Tax The Rich. Why Their Proposals Could Backfire

Experts say backfilling the Medi-Cal cuts would make the funding gap larger.

Disney Begins Laying Off 1,000 Employees

The Walt Disney Co. on Tuesday began layoffs expected to lead to 1,000 job cuts across the company.

$240M In CA Tax Refund Debit Cards About To Expire: What To Know

If you're one of the 9.5M Californians who received a Middle Class Tax Refund, you may still have funds left. Here's how to find out.

New $400 Million Inland Valley Hospital Tower Opens In Wildomar

The California Department of Public Health gave a green light to begin patient care in the new tower, according to hospital officials.

CA Tippers Are The Cheapest In The US: Report

A study released last year with similar results found that Californians are tired of being asked to tip.

LAX People Mover Is Finally Moving — But It Will Run Without Passengers For 2 Months

LAX's long-awaited Automated People Mover system will begin running without passengers Monday.

Long Beach Council To Consider Modifying Caps On Food Delivery Fees

At its April 21 meeting, the Long Beach City Council could alter the existing caps on fees charged in the city by food delivery platforms.