California, September 12, 2025
News Summary
In July 2023, Falina Marihart founded MP Consultants to help restaurant owners in California navigate the complexities of payroll compliance and labor laws. This initiative focuses on addressing the challenges posed by the Private Attorney General Act (PAGA), which increases the risk of lawsuits for wage discrepancies. The consulting firm aims to educate restaurant owners on compliance issues while collaborating with the California Restaurant Association and employing expert audits to minimize legal liabilities. With accessible services, MP Consultants empowers restaurateurs to thrive amidst evolving regulations.
California
In a bid to support restaurant owners against the complexities of payroll compliance, Falina Marihart, a local restaurateur, has launched MP Consultants in July 2023. This new venture aims to provide essential guidance on navigating California’s intricate labor laws, particularly in light of rising lawsuits resulting from the state’s Private Attorney General Act (PAGA), which empowers employees to pursue wage-related claims against their employers.
The PAGA has been a significant concern for many business owners, as it has become increasingly popular for employees to file lawsuits against their employers over wage discrepancies. Marihart recognizes that many restaurant owners might be unaware of compliance issues stemming from complicated regulations surrounding employee payments, overtime wages, and shift patterns. Consequently, they can inadvertently become exposed to financial risks.
The variation in payroll and wage regulations spans not only state lines but also city jurisdictions, complicating matters further for restaurateurs. This complexity presents unique challenges for both new and seasoned restaurant owners, who must stay current with the latest labor regulation changes to avoid legal pitfalls.
Since its inception, MP Consultants has garnered positive responses and has actively participated in industry events, such as the California Restaurant Show in Anaheim. These engagements have allowed the firm to connect with restaurant and franchise owners and expand its network. Marihart’s services are geared toward reducing legal liabilities for restaurant owners by enlightening them about payroll compliance without acting as a regulatory body.
MP Consultants emphasizes that its role is to offer private guidance rather than enforcement, challenging the misconceptions often held about payroll responsibilities. Many existing payroll companies may lack the nuanced understanding of specific employee wage details, leading to dangerous assumptions on the part of restaurant owners. To counter this, MP Consultants collaborates with the California Restaurant Association (CRA) and employs payroll expert Kimberly Smith, PHRca, who conducts audits for the firm.
Restaurant owners across California can access MP Consultants’ services either online at mypayrollaudit.com or by phone, allowing for flexibility and convenience. Marihart draws from her extensive experience in the restaurant industry and her involvement on the CRA board to empower other owners in overcoming compliance challenges.
With the restaurant industry continuously evolving and facing new regulatory pressures, the importance of understanding payroll compliance has never been more critical. Marihart aims to ensure that restaurant owners have access to the necessary tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the competitive market while safeguarding their businesses from potential lawsuits.
FAQ
What is MP Consultants?
MP Consultants is a consulting firm founded by Falina Marihart that provides guidance on payroll compliance for restaurant owners in California, focusing on reducing legal liability and educating them on payroll regulations.
Why was MP Consultants created?
The firm was established due to the increasing number of lawsuits filed under California’s Private Attorney General Act (PAGA), which allows employees to pursue wage-related claims against employers, highlighting the need for better compliance understanding among restaurant owners.
How can restaurant owners benefit from MP Consultants?
Restaurant owners can receive expert guidance on navigating complex payroll laws, reducing their risk of lawsuits and ensuring compliance with state and local regulations, ultimately protecting their business investment.
Where can restaurant owners find more information?
Restaurant owners can learn more about the services offered by MP Consultants by visiting their website at mypayrollaudit.com or by contacting them via phone.
Key Features of MP Consultants
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Payroll Compliance Guidance | Provides direction on how to comply with California’s complex payroll laws. |
| PAGA Awareness | Educates restaurant owners on the implications of the Private Attorney General Act. |
| Collaboration with CRA | Partners with the California Restaurant Association to enhance service offerings. |
| Expert Audits | Conducts audits through the partnership with payroll expert Kimberly Smith. |
| Accessibility | Services are available online and via phone for convenience. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Business Journal: Fresno Entrepreneur Tackles Payroll Pitfalls
- Wikipedia: Payroll
- Los Angeles Times: Santa Monica Hotel Accused of Payroll Violations
- California Employment Law Report: Fast Food Minimum Wage Hike
- Forbes: Best Payroll Services
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
