By Constantine Mittendorf
CaliBurger is an in international burger chain, and it seems to be winning after copying the In-N-Out formula. When CaliBurger opened in Shanghai in 2011, it openly copied the In-N-Out formula. It sold Double-Doubles (In-N-Out’s signature burger), Animal-Style fries (In-N-Out’s signature fries), and sodas with palm-trees printed on the cups (In-N-Out’s signature decoration).
Coincidence? No chance. Continue reading “CaliBurger Copies In-N-Out and Wins”
By Constantine Mittendorf
Data is hugely important in running a successful restaurant today. Targeted email marketing campaigns can be an invaluable marketing tool. But trying to collect too much data can land your bistro in hot water. California has specific laws limiting what data can and cannot be collected – restaurants need to be aware of these limitations or it can be very costly.
Continue reading “Dangers of Data-Mining in California Restaurants: Song-Beverly Credit Card Act”
By Constantine Mittendorf
There are eighteen statewide ballot measures that Californians will be voting on this election cycle and countless local measures. While few items on the ballot directly affect the California restaurant industry as a whole, here are a few statewide and local measures to be aware of:
Continue reading “A Bite-Sized Look at Ballot Measures in California for Restaurants”
By Constantine Mittendorf
Last week, a number of restaurants in California’s Central Valley received a phone call from someone claiming to be from either a local fire department or a fire alarm company. The caller asked the restaurant to test the emergency fire suppression system, claiming that the system was in “test mode.” The problem was, it was a prank call, and the fire suppression system was not in “test mode.”
Continue reading “Prank Calls Wreck Restaurants – Criminal Liability and Fire Code Requirements”
By Constantine Mittendorf
Want to remove bad reviews posted on Yelp that are hurting your business? Want to win a half million dollar judgment against a malicious reviewer? Here’s how one person did it – and they did it without suing Yelp.
By Constantine Mittendorf
Yesterday, San Francisco became the first city in the nation to require six weeks of full paid leave for new parents. If you or work in or manage a restaurant in the City by the Bay, here are a few things you should know:
Continue reading “New Rule: Six Weeks of Paid Parental Leave in San Francisco”
By Constantine Mittendorf
Today, Sinbad’s restaurant looks like a shipwreck next to San Francisco’s Ferry Building. A demolition crew is on site and Sinbad’s is in bankruptcy court. The classic restaurant-bar recently lost a series of legal battles that ultimately shut it down after 40 years of continuous operation.
To sum up what happened, Sinbad’s had been operating since the mid-1970’s. With its stunning views and location on Pier 2 at the foot of Market Street, it had a mixed clientele of locals and tourists. In turn, it paid rent to the City of San Francisco. Eventually due to population growth in the Bay Area, the City decided to expand the number of ferry terminals serving the City’s Financial District. The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission held public hearings in 2012 about the plan to expand the ferry terminals and remove Sinbad’s. Despite being notified, Sinbad’s didn’t show up. Continue reading “Sinbad’s Dine and Dash”
By Constantine Mittendorf
Ever wonder if that sashimi you ordered is really bluefin tuna? Well, the San Diego County City Attorney’s Office recently announced that it has been criminally prosecuting instances of sushi mislabeling.
“DNA testing found that one-third (33 percent) of the 1,215 samples analyzed nationwide were mislabeled“
By Constantine Mittendorf
Earlier this month, the California assembly passed a new law that will affect franchisor agreements in California. Lawmakers attempted to pass a similar law last year that was designed to give franchisees more protection, but it was vetoed by the Governor. This time, it passed.
By Constantine Mittendorf
As of today, Sinbad’s does not have any immediate plans to close its 40 year old saloon doors, despite losing its eviction case two months ago. The Court stayed eviction and the execution of judgment, but that order expires today – September 30th. Continue reading “Sinbad’s Stay of Execution Runs Out”
