What the records say, and what they don't.

Picker's Desk reports are compiled from public records published by government agencies. The Turnover is built from licensing reports published by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). Picker's Desk is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting for the State of California or any agency.

We report the filing, not the future

Each entry reflects what a public filing showed on the date it was published. A license application does not guarantee that a business will open, and an application can be withdrawn or denied. A surrendered or canceled license does not always mean a business has closed: surrenders can be temporary, and licenses are often transferred to a new owner or location. We describe each entry using the filing's own status, and label surrenders as "closed or paused."

How we sort filings

Duplicates. One business often files several licenses at the same address (for example a restaurant license and a catering permit). We count it once, as one business, and list its license types together.

Transfers. When a license moves to a new owner at the same address, we report it as "changing hands," not as a closing plus an opening. When the paperwork shows the prior business, we name it.

Withdrawn or denied applications. We track every filing from day to day. If an application we reported as "opening soon" is later withdrawn, denied or disappears from the state's list, we note it in a later issue rather than leaving the earlier entry unexplained.

Closings. A surrendered license is labeled "closed or paused," because surrenders can be temporary. Wineries, liquor stores and other retail licenses are kept out of the restaurant counts.

We don't verify what was filed

We copy and organize information as the agency published it. We don't independently confirm names, addresses, owners, dates or statuses, and agency records can contain errors or be updated later. Always confirm details with the business or the agency before acting on them.

Information only

Reports are provided as-is for general business information. They are not legal, financial or investment advice, and Picker's Desk is not responsible for decisions made based on them.

Corrections

If an entry is wrong or out of date, email roger@pickersdesk.com with the business name and license number. We review every request and correct or remove errors promptly.