377 Jobs Lost In Bankruptcy + Airline Ends Open Seating: CA Biz News

CALIFORNIA — From a California wine company's bankruptcy filing costing nearly 400 employees their jobs to a shocking change to Southwest Airlines' seating policy, a lot is going on in California business news this week.

This week it was found that employment at fast-food establishments has skyrocketed despite the minimum wage increase. Actor and passionate pickleball enthusiast Vince Vaughn became a majority stakeholder for a SoCal pickleball team.

Check out the highlights of this week in California business news on Patch:

Nearly 400 Terminated As CA Wine Company Files For Bankruptcy

There will be 377 jobs lost due to permanent closures across Mendocino, Napa, San Luis Obispo and Sonoma counties, according to the state.

Southwest Ends Open Seating Policy After More Than 50 Years

Open seating will be a thing of the past starting next year for the airline.

CA Chain Offers Half-Off Meal All Month After Viral Order Mistake

The pizza chain is offering patrons a half-off macaroni and cheese deal for one month after an online order for the company went viral.

Fast Food Jobs At Record High In SoCal Despite $20 Min. Wage: Report

This news comes despite the fast food wage law that went into effect April 1, raising the minimum from $16 to $20 per hour.

Actor Vince Vaughn Now Owns Majority Stake In RivCo Pickleball Team

A fan and recreational pickleball player, the 54-year-old Vaughn is now majority stake holder of the Coachella Valley Scorpions.

Quote Of The Week

"Since recently we gave one of our guests only half a mac and cheese, we're going to give all of our guests half-off mac and cheese starting today through the rest of the month," Chef Paul, California Pizza Kitchen.

The Bottom Line

• The California Supreme Court upheld a state law that classifies app-based gig workers for companies like Uber and DoorDash as independent contractors instead of employees.
• Californians were found to be the 5th best in the nation at paying bills on time, a study found.
• Yet another tech company is moving its headquarters out of California, as health company Verily announced its move to Texas.

More restaurant news:

• 3 San Jose Eateries Named Best In The Bay For Milkshakes
• Alameda Gets Shout-Out In List Of Local Breweries
• 2 Livermore Restaurants Win Wine Spectator Awards
• Danville Restaurant Among Best For Kids In East Bay: Eater SF

More business news:

• Vons, Albertsons Sales Delayed As Judge Halts Mega Kroger Merger
• Pechanga Resort Casino, LA Clippers Expand Partnership Deal
• 54 CA Big Lots Stores To Close Amid Financial Woes
• Optum Closing Urgent Care Locations In Beaumont, Highland, Redlands
• Treasures Abound At This Riverside County Landfill
• 4 Murrieta Smoke Shops Violated State Ban On Flavored Tobacco: PD