AB 1246 opens California to qualifying out‑of‑state craft distillers in 2026, but new permits, taxes and a one‑year pilot will shape how far that access goes.

An investigation suggests Instacart's AI algorithms cause significant price fluctuations, potentially costing customers more, despite the company's claims of affordability efforts.

Come the new year, the Castro will have a new combo bookstore, tea room, and wine bar.

H&M confirms the closure of its store in San Francisco Centre due to the mall's retail struggles. The mall faces a vacancy crisis with ongoing tenant departures.

In this edition, a holiday pop-up bar and cookie shop open, and a dog grooming business is on the way.

San Francisco sued 10 major foodmakers, accusing them of engineering ultra‑processed products that have driven local health harms and seeking to curb deceptive marketing.

OpenAI locked down its Mission Bay headquarters after an internal alert about a threatening individual; staff were told to stay inside while police investigated.

Cluely confirmed plans to relocate to New York and has listed its three‑floor SoMa headquarters for sale amid zoning complaints and a product pivot. The move follows months of viral stunts and investor backing.

Amazon Pharmacy introduces same-day delivery in the San Francisco Bay Area, offering residents a digital pharmacy experience with 24/7 pharmacist access and plans for national expansion by 2025.

Adobe will pay $12 a share to buy Semrush in an all‑cash deal worth about $1.9 billion, folding SEO and GEO tools into its Experience Cloud. The companies expect to close in H1 2026 pending approvals.

In this edition, a Himalayan gift shop closes, a wellness studio receives planning approval, a smoke shop's license gets suspended, and The Castro releases more events.

The Phoenix Hotel in the Tenderloin will close on Jan. 1, 2026, ending nearly 40 years as a rock‑and‑roll refuge. Owners cite pandemic losses and neighborhood challenges.

San Francisco's historic Jack's restaurant is reimagined by Skylight as a "civic salon" for influencers to connect, retaining nostalgic French bistro cuisine but focusing on private events and semi-public "power lunches."