A restaurant in San Francisco is facing legal trouble over allegations of deceptive pricing practices. On March 10, 2025, Alexander Xue filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against Park Cafe Group, Inc., accusing them of secretly adding undisclosed fees to customer bills. The lawsuit claims that this practice misleads customers and violates several California laws.
The case revolves around an incident on March 5, 2025, when Xue visited Duboce Park Cafe, operated by Park Cafe Group, Inc., located at 2 Sanchez St, San Francisco. Xue alleges that after ordering food based on the prices displayed on the menu, he was surprised to find an additional fee labeled "SF Mandates" added to his bill without prior disclosure or consent. This fee amounted to $1.46 or 6.52% of his pre-tax subtotal and was not clearly explained on the menu or receipt. The plaintiff argues that this constitutes a breach of trust and transparency between the business and its customers.
Xue's complaint highlights three main causes of action: violation of California's Unfair Competition Law (Business and Professions Code §§ 17200 et seq.), False Advertising Law (Business and Professions Code §§ 17500 et seq.), and Consumer Legal Remedies Act (Civil Code §§ 1750 et seq.). He asserts that Park Cafe Group engaged in unlawful practices by failing to disclose mandatory surcharges affecting product prices and misleadingly advertising lower prices than those actually charged. The complaint further accuses the defendant of violating consumer protection laws by not clearly displaying all fees as required under California law.
In his request for relief, Xue seeks injunctive relief to prevent Park Cafe Group from continuing these alleged illegal practices. He also demands a refund for himself and other affected customers who paid hidden fees not properly advertised before billing. Additionally, Xue requests compensation for legal costs incurred during the lawsuit.
The case is being handled by Judge Sahar Enayati under Case Number CGC-25-623103 in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. As Xue is representing himself pro se in this matter, there are no attorneys listed for either party at this time.