Health department closes Caribbean Vybz in East Liberty
Caribbean Vybz on Album Street in East Liberty was ordered closed by the Allegheny County Health Department for operating a food facility in a private home and without a health permit. Also, 1313 Bar on Kennedy Avenue in Duquesne voluntarily closed because of a lack of water. The bar must remain closed until the water is turned back on.
Bossa Nova Robotics secures $29M investment
Bossa Nova Robotics, a Strip District-based startup that began testing retail robots in Walmart stores last fall, has secured $29 million in new investment, bringing its total funding to $70 million. The new round was led by Cota Capital, a San Francisco-based investment firm that also contributed to a $17.5 million Series B financing round for Bossa Nova in November. LG Electronics, the South Korean maker of appliances and mobile devices, and China Walden Ventures also contributed as strategic investors.
Dow Chemical awarded $1B in dispute with Nova Chemicals
A judge has ruled against Nova Chemicals and awarded Dow Chemical Canada more than $1 billion in damages in a dispute between the companies involving a plant in Canada’s Alberta province. Nova and Dow began operating a joint venture in Joffre, Alberta, in 2000 to produce ethylene, a gas used in plastics, agricultural applications and other products. Dow said Nova breached the joint venture contracts by taking some of the ethylene and other products that belonged to Dow. Nova has its executive offices in Moon and production facilities in Canada and the U.S.
Allegheny County Health Dept. licenses new eateries
The Allegheny County Health Department issued licences to 11
new eateries in April and May: Sushi Fuku at UPMC Presbyterian, Lothrop Street, Oakland; Toss Pizza & Wings, McMurray Road, Upper St. Clair; Dunkin’ Donuts, Airport Boulevard, Findlay; Old Mexico, Clairton Boulevard, Baldwin Borough; The Bridgeside Market, Chestnut Street, Sewickley; Crispy’s, Mall Circle Drive, Monroeville; Benzes’ Blue Goose Saloon, Mount Royal Boulevard, Shaler; Azorean Cafe, Liberty Avenue, Bloomfield; Babylon Cuisine, Murray Avenue, Greenfield; Liberty Sandwich Factory, Liberty Way, Liberty; and Bakn, Fowler Road, Marshall.
Virgin Atlantic names Weiss CEO
Virgin Atlantic Airways said commercial head Shai Weiss will take over as CEO as billionaire founder Richard Branson prepares to cede majority control of the U.K. carrier. Craig Kreeger will stand down as chief at the end of this year, the Crawley, England-based company said.
California utility takes $2.5B charge for wildfires
A Northern California utility says it anticipates being liable for $2.5 billion in expected losses in connection with deadly wildfires in October. Pacific Gas & Electric Co. warned its liability could be higher after state fire officials determine the cause of 21 major fires that rampaged throughout Northern California, killing 44 people and destroying thousands of homes and businesses. Officials have concluded that the utility’s downed power lines started several of the fires. PG&E said it is facing more than 200 lawsuits.