On November 24, 2020, a class action price gouging claim was
filed against a California based operator of casual fine dining
restaurants. The class action lawsuit against Hillstone Restaurant
Group alleges price gouging in violation of California Penal Code
§396. According to the lawsuit, "Hillstone engaged in
unfair and unlawful business practices by increasing its price on
food items and also unjustifiably charging a 10% or 15% so-called
'service or packaging fee' for takeout orders." The
lawsuit further states that "despite increasing the cost of
its food items and adding this Fee, there has been no change in the
quality or quantity of the food sold or the packaging being offered
for pickup by consumers as compared to Hillstone's pre-pandemic
offerings." Plaintiffs seek restitution, injunctive relief,
attorneys' fees, and punitive damages. The complaint is
striking not only because it shows the extent to which plaintiffs
will bring claims at the margins of price
