In a bold legal move, a customer has taken a stand against what he claims to be deceptive business practices by a well-known restaurant. On April 25, 2025, Alexander Xue filed a complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, against H&A Entertainment, LLC. The lawsuit accuses the company of violating several California laws through unfair pricing practices at their establishment, "The Brixton," located in San Francisco.
The case centers around an incident on April 18, 2025, when Xue visited The Brixton and ordered a drink based on the prices listed on the menu. He alleges that his bill included an undisclosed fee labeled "SF Healthy Mandate," which was not mentioned anywhere on the menu or disclosed prior to his purchase. This fee amounted to $0.80 or 5% of his pre-tax subtotal of $16.00 for a cocktail named "Marina Fling." Xue argues that this hidden charge is part of a larger pattern of deceptive pricing practices employed by the restaurant to mislead customers into thinking they are paying less than they actually are.
Xue's complaint outlines three primary 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 H&A Entertainment engaged in unlawful acts by failing to disclose mandatory surcharges and advertising prices with no intention to sell items at those advertised rates. Furthermore, he claims these actions harm competitors by creating false perceptions about the restaurant's pricing.
The plaintiff seeks injunctive relief to prevent H&A Entertainment from continuing these alleged illegal practices. He demands that all customers who were charged hidden fees receive refunds and requests compensation for court costs associated with filing the suit. Additionally, Xue calls for any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing himself pro se, Alexander Xue has brought this case before Judge Sahar Enayati under Case ID CGC-25-624/77 in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco.