California, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Falina Marihart has launched MP Consultants, a consulting firm aimed at helping California restaurant owners with payroll compliance. Established in July 2023, the firm responds to rising lawsuits under California’s Private Attorney General Act (PAGA), addressing the complexities of labor laws that threaten the financial stability of restaurants. With services available online, MP Consultants seeks to educate restaurant owners about their payroll responsibilities and mitigate legal risks through expert audits and partnerships with industry associations.
California restaurateur and business owner Falina Marihart has launched a new consulting firm, MP Consultants, aimed at supporting restaurant owners across the state with payroll compliance issues. Established in July 2023, MP Consultants comes in response to a growing number of lawsuits stemming from California’s Private Attorney General Act (PAGA), which allows employees to file wage-related claims against their employers.
Many restaurant owners find themselves at risk of financial setbacks due to the complexity of California’s labor laws, which govern employee wages, overtime, and shift rules. This situation is exacerbated by the considerable variations in payroll and wage regulations that exist not only between states but also among cities within California. As a result, both new and experienced restaurant owners face significant financial risks if they remain unaware of the latest labor regulations.
Since its inception, MP Consultants has garnered positive feedback from the restaurant community and has established a presence at events such as the California Restaurant Show in Anaheim to network with franchise owners and industry professionals. The firm aims to help alleviate the legal liabilities of restaurant owners by offering crucial education about payroll compliance, allowing them to steer clear of potential lawsuits.
While many payroll companies focus on processing wages, they often lack the detailed understanding necessary for managing employee-specific wage issues. This oversight can lead to restaurant owners making incorrect assumptions about their payroll responsibilities, putting them at risk of compliance issues.
To enhance its offerings, MP Consultants collaborates closely with the California Restaurant Association (CRA). This partnership helps extend the firm’s reach and enables it to provide a wider array of services to support restaurant owners. Furthermore, Marihart has joined forces with Payroll Expert Kimberly Smith, PHRca, to conduct comprehensive audits that identify potential compliance risks.
MP Consultants provides its services via the internet, allowing restaurant owners throughout California to access guidance online at mypayrollaudit.com or via phone. Marihart is committed to leveraging her extensive experience in the industry and her position on the CRA board to assist restaurant owners in overcoming the complexities of payroll compliance challenges.
Background
The launch of MP Consultants is particularly timely given the rise in litigation related to payroll compliance due to PAGA, which has increasingly targeted restaurant owners. With a shifting legal landscape that introduces new regulations and case laws, restaurant operators must remain vigilant and informed. The establishment of MP Consultants is an effort to directly address these compliance challenges, ensuring restaurant owners can focus more on building their businesses and less on navigating legal pitfalls.
Key Features of MP Consultants
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Consultancy Services | Guidance on payroll compliance to help mitigate legal liabilities. |
| Partnerships | Collaboration with the California Restaurant Association for enhanced support. |
| Expert Audits | Conducting thorough audits with Payroll Expert Kimberly Smith to pinpoint compliance risks. |
| Accessibility | Services available online and via phone to reach a broader audience. |
Conclusion
With the continuous evolution of labor laws in California, it is crucial for restaurant owners to stay well-informed and compliant. MP Consultants positions itself as a valuable resource to help navigate these regulations, thereby fostering a healthier restaurant industry environment in California.
FAQ
What is MP Consultants?
MP Consultants is a consulting firm founded by Falina Marihart to assist California restaurant owners with payroll compliance.
Why was MP Consultants created?
The firm was established in response to the increase in lawsuits under California’s Private Attorney General Act (PAGA), which permits employees to file wage-related claims against their employers.
What services do they provide?
MP Consultants offers guidance on payroll compliance, risk mitigation strategies, and conducts audits to identify compliance challenges for restaurant owners.
How can restaurant owners access their services?
Restaurant owners can access MP Consultants’ services online at mypayrollaudit.com or contact them via phone.
Who is involved in the firm?
Falina Marihart is the founder, and she collaborates with Payroll Expert Kimberly Smith to provide detailed audits.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The Business Journal: Fresno Entrepreneur Tackles Payroll Pitfalls for California Eateries
- California Employment Law Report: Preparing for Another Fast Food Minimum Wage Hike in California
- PR Newswire: iSolved Launches Tailored Restaurant Solutions
- Paycor: California Minimum Wage Information
- Los Angeles Times: Santa Monica Hotel Accused of Wage Violations
- Wikipedia: California Labor Law
- Google Search: California Payroll Compliance
- Google Scholar: California Minimum Wage Laws
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Labor Law
- Google News: California Restaurant Payroll Compliance
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego 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 Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
