California, September 12, 2025
News Summary
In July 2023, Falina Marihart founded MP Consultants to help California restaurant owners navigate payroll compliance challenges. With rising PAGA lawsuits, the consultancy offers specialized guidance on labor laws and minimizes legal risks. Partnering with experts and organizations like the California Restaurant Association, MP Consultants aims to educate restaurant owners about compliance requirements while providing audits to enhance understanding in the complex wage landscape.
California: Local Restaurateur Launches MP Consultants to Aid Payroll Compliance
In July 2023, Falina Marihart, a seasoned restaurateur known for her establishments including 13 Prime Steak in Clovis and Yolked Kitchen in the Parkway Trails Shopping Center, founded MP Consultants. This new consultancy is aimed at assisting restaurant owners across California with the increasingly complex landscape of payroll compliance.
The creation of MP Consultants is a response to a rise in lawsuits filed under California’s Private Attorney General Act (PAGA), which allows employees to independently pursue claims against employers for wage-related disputes. Marihart’s initiative comes as many restaurateurs find themselves at risk, facing potential financial consequences due to their lack of familiarity with the intricacies of wage laws associated with employee payments, overtime requirements, and shift regulations.
The regulatory environment is further complicated by significant variations in payroll and wage regulations, which differ not only from state to state but also from one city to another. This patchwork of laws poses ongoing challenges for restaurant owners, both new entrants and veterans in the business. Failure to comply can lead to substantial financial risks, underscoring the necessity for targeted guidance.
Since its inception, MP Consultants has garnered positive reviews for its services and recently participated in the California Restaurant Show held in Anaheim, where it engaged with both restaurateurs and franchise owners to expand its network. The firm offers educational support to help restaurant operators mitigate their legal liabilities and steer clear of lawsuit risks through enhanced understanding of payroll compliance.
It is important to note that MP Consultants operates in a non-regulatory capacity, providing private guidance rather than acting as an enforcement body. This distinction gives restaurant owners the opportunity to seek advice and support without the fear of regulatory repercussions.
Additionally, many payroll companies may not possess a deep understanding of the specific wage intricacies relevant to the restaurant sector, potentially leading to misconceptions about payroll responsibilities held by restaurant owners. Recognizing this gap, MP Consultants aims to fill the void by offering tailored consulting services.
To ensure comprehensive service delivery, MP Consultants has partnered with Payroll Expert Kimberly Smith, PHRca, who conducts audits for the firm, enhancing its service offerings. Collaborating with the California Restaurant Association (CRA) also enables MP Consultants to broaden its outreach and support capabilities for restaurant owners across the state.
Restaurant owners in California can access the services provided by MP Consultants online at mypayrollaudit.com or by contacting the firm directly via phone. Marihart intends to leverage her extensive experience in the restaurant industry, along with her role on the CRA board, to assist fellow restaurateurs in navigating the challenging compliance landscape.
FAQ Section
What is MP Consultants?
MP Consultants is a consultancy founded by Falina Marihart that provides guidance to restaurant owners in California on payroll compliance, helping them navigate complex wage laws.
Why was MP Consultants established?
MP Consultants was established in response to an increase in lawsuits under California’s Private Attorney General Act (PAGA), which exposes restaurant owners to wage-related claims from employees.
Who can benefit from MP Consultants’ services?
Both new and experienced restaurant owners can benefit from MP Consultants’ services, especially those who need assistance understanding payroll compliance and minimizing legal risks.
How does MP Consultants differ from payroll companies?
MP Consultants focuses on offering specialized consultation regarding payroll compliance and labor laws, whereas many payroll companies may not have detailed knowledge of specific wage conditions affecting restaurant employees.
Where can I learn more about MP Consultants?
More information about MP Consultants is available on their website, mypayrollaudit.com, or by contacting them directly.
Key Features of MP Consultants
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Guidance on Payroll Compliance | Helps restaurant owners navigate complex wage and labor laws to minimize legal risks. |
| Non-Regulatory Consulting | Offers private guidance without acting as an enforcement body, ensuring a safe space for consultation. |
| Collaboration with CRA | Partners with the California Restaurant Association to enhance reach and service quality. |
| Expert Audits | Conducts audits in partnership with payroll expert Kimberly Smith to provide tailored support for restaurant owners. |
| Accessible Services | Offers services online and via direct contact, making it easy for restaurant owners to get support. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Business Journal: Fresno Entrepreneur Tackles Payroll Pitfalls for California Eateries
- California Employment Law Report: Preparing for Minimum Wage Hike
- PR Newswire: isolved Launches Tailored Restaurant Solutions
- HR Morning: Essential Guide to FLSA
- Wikipedia: Payroll
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COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like 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 drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
