In a recent legal filing, a San Francisco restaurant is accused of deceptive pricing practices that allegedly exploit customers. On February 19, 2025, Alexander Xue filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California against TLC Cocina, LLC, alleging that the restaurant unlawfully added undisclosed fees to customer bills.
The case revolves around an incident on February 9, 2025, when Xue visited "The Little Chihuahua," a Mexican restaurant owned by TLC Cocina, LLC. According to the complaint, Xue ordered guacamole and chips priced at $11.00 but was surprised to find an additional fee labeled "SF Mandates" amounting to $0.66 on his bill. This charge increased the pre-tax total by 6%, which Xue claims was not disclosed on the menu or at any point during his transaction. The plaintiff argues that this practice violates several California laws designed to protect consumers from misleading business practices.
Xue's lawsuit cites violations of the Business and Professions Code §§ 17200 et seq., known as the Unfair Competition Law (UCL), which prohibits unlawful and fraudulent business acts. The complaint accuses TLC Cocina of failing to disclose mandatory surcharges and advertising prices without intending to sell items at those advertised rates. Additionally, it alleges violations under the False Advertising Law (Business and Professions Code §§ 17500 et seq.) for similar reasons—misleading consumers about actual costs—and under the Consumer Legal Remedies Act (Civil Code §§ 1750 et seq.), which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in transactions.
Xue seeks injunctive relief from the court to prevent TLC Cocina from continuing these practices and demands refunds for all affected customers who unknowingly paid these hidden fees. He also requests compensation for legal costs incurred during this suit and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The case is being handled pro se by Alexander Xue himself without representation from a law firm. It is filed under Case ID CGC-25-622545 in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco.