A San Francisco restaurant is under legal fire for allegedly deceiving its customers with hidden fees. Alexander Xue filed a complaint on February 17, 2025, in the Superior Court of California against Foreign Objects L.L.C., accusing the company of unfair business practices at its restaurant, Damnfine.
The complaint centers around an incident that occurred on February 16, 2025, when Xue visited Damnfine and ordered a cocktail advertised at $17. Upon receiving his bill, he noticed an additional charge labeled "SF Mandate — Healthy SF," amounting to $0.85 or 5% of the pre-tax subtotal. Xue alleges that this fee was not disclosed on the menu or during his visit and was misleadingly named to suggest it was a government-imposed charge. According to Xue, this practice violates several California laws, including Business and Professions Code §§ 17200 et seq., which prohibits unlawful business acts, and §§ 17500 et seq., which addresses false advertising.
Xue argues that the restaurant's failure to disclose this fee constitutes "drip pricing," a tactic where businesses advertise low prices but add unavoidable fees later in the transaction. This practice is generally prohibited unless all fees are clearly displayed as per California Senate Bill 478 (2023). The lawsuit also claims violations of the Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA), asserting that Foreign Objects L.L.C.'s actions were deceptive and intended to mislead consumers into believing their prices were lower than they actually were.
In addition to seeking punitive damages, Xue demands injunctive relief to prevent Foreign Objects L.L.C. from continuing these practices. He also requests an order mandating refunds for all customers who paid undisclosed fees and compensation for legal costs incurred during the suit.
Representing himself pro se, Alexander Xue seeks justice against what he perceives as fraudulent practices by Foreign Objects L.L.C., owned by a limited liability company operating in San Francisco County. The case is being overseen by Judge Sahar Enayati under Case Number CGC-25-622453.