A restaurant in San Francisco is under legal scrutiny for allegedly deceiving its customers with hidden fees. Alexander Xue filed a complaint against Presse, LLC in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, on August 24, 2025. The lawsuit accuses the restaurant of unfair competition and false advertising practices.
According to the complaint, Xue visited Café de la Presse on March 23, 2025. He relied on the menu board displaying prices for drinks and pastries before deciding to make a purchase. However, upon reviewing his receipt later, he discovered an unexpected charge labeled “SF Employer Mandates,” which amounted to $0.68 or 6% of his subtotal. Xue claims this fee was added without his consent or prior knowledge and was not disclosed anywhere on the menu.
Xue’s complaint alleges that Presse, LLC intentionally misled customers by using deceptive pricing tactics known as “drip pricing.” This practice involves advertising lower prices to attract customers but then adding unavoidable fees during the transaction process. The lawsuit cites California Senate Bill 478 (2023), which prohibits such practices unless all fees are clearly displayed with explanations on menus or advertisements.
The plaintiff further contends that naming the fee “SF Employer Mandates” was a deliberate attempt to deceive customers into believing it was a government-mandated charge when no such mandate exists from the City and County of San Francisco. Xue argues that this fraudulent representation violates several sections of the Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA) and Business and Professions Code.
Xue seeks injunctive relief from the court to prevent Presse, LLC from continuing these practices. He requests that the court enjoin the defendant from charging undisclosed fees and using misleading terms like “SF Employer Mandates.” Additionally, he seeks actual damages, punitive damages, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
The case is identified as CGC-25-628448 in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. Alexander Xue is representing himself pro se in this matter.
Source: CGC25628448.pdf
Source: CGC25628448.pdf
Source: CGC25628448.pdf
Source: CGC25628448.pdf
