A California restaurant is facing serious allegations of deceptive business practices, as a customer accuses it of secretly adding undisclosed fees to patrons' bills. On February 19, 2025, Alexander Xue filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, against CRJ Partners V, LLC, the owner and operator of the restaurant "District" located in San Jose.
According to the complaint, on November 29, 2024, Xue visited District for the first time and ordered food based on the prices listed on the menu. After completing his meal and paying his bill, he discovered an unexpected charge labeled "SJ Mandate," amounting to $1.38 or 6% of his pre-tax subtotal. Xue claims this fee was neither disclosed on the menu nor communicated to him prior to billing. The lawsuit highlights that such practices are in violation of several California laws designed to protect consumers from misleading pricing tactics.
Xue argues that CRJ Partners V's actions constitute unfair competition under Business and Professions Code §§ 17200 et seq., false advertising under §§ 17500 et seq., and violations of the Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA) under Civil Code §§ 1750 et seq. He asserts that by failing to disclose mandatory surcharges and deceptively advertising prices without these fees, CRJ Partners V has engaged in unlawful business acts intended to mislead customers about actual costs. Furthermore, Xue contends that these practices harm competitors by creating a false impression of lower prices.
The plaintiff seeks various forms of relief from the court: an injunction preventing CRJ Partners V from continuing its alleged illegal practices; a mandate requiring refunds for all customers who were charged undisclosed fees; reimbursement for legal costs including filing fees; and any additional relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing himself pro se, Alexander Xue stands firm in his pursuit for justice against what he perceives as blatant consumer rights violations by CRJ Partners V. The case is being overseen by Judge J. Nguyen under Case ID 25CV459257.