Maison Verbena is moving from the Ferry Building to a new location in Hayes Valley, San Francisco, planning a unique flagship boutique and an Atelier Bakery in Seoul by 2027. They may temporarily set up in the Ferry Building's Village Market.

Sprinkles Cupcakes abruptly closed its bakeries on Wednesday. Founder Candace Nelson confirmed the move on Instagram; employees say many got little notice.

Investor materials show OpenAI averaged about $1.5M in stock‑based pay per employee across roughly 4,000 staff, a scale reshaping retention and investor math in San Francisco.

As 2025 comes to a close, here's a brief roundup of recent changes to Castro area businesses. In this edition, a cafe prepares to open, a Thai spa opens, a barbershop moves, and a former coffee shop hits the market.

San Jose's Hyphen is scaling AI-powered makelines to build digital orders, with backing from Chipotle and Cava. Pilots and factory ramping are already underway.

A power outage in San Francisco caused by a substation fire during a peak business weekend resulted in significant financial losses for local businesses, particularly restaurants and shops, with PG&E pledging to simplify claims for compensation.

Trian and General Catalyst have agreed to buy Janus Henderson for about $7.4B at $49 a share, keeping CEO Ali Dibadj and the firm's London and Denver hubs intact.

A software update and payment‑processor error left roughly 200 Bay Area customers temporarily charged 100x for gas; 7‑Eleven says it will issue refunds plus $500 payouts.

Instacart settled with the FTC for $60 million over claims of deceptive fees and marketing, including hidden costs and issues with its membership program. The company denies wrongdoing but faces share drops and scrutiny.

A Reddit clip showing raw meat deliveries at Maiwand Market in Fremont sparked online alarm. The manager and the supplier say procedures were followed and invited inspection.

bioMérieux will close its San Jose office and lay off 121 employees, according to a state WARN filing.

Fannie Mae is relocating its San Francisco branch to Birmingham, Alabama, without forcing staff moves, in a strategic shift credited to collaborations involving Senator Tuberville, ex-President Trump, and FHFA's Bill Pulte.

La Cigale replaced the tip line with a $140 all‑inclusive prix‑fixe and says staff now earn about $40 an hour with paid vacation.