Surviving the Arson Fire: How Papa Dan’s Pizza and Pasta is Struggling to Pay its Employees

The arson fire that occurred in Palm Desert earlier this month has left four businesses in ruins, leaving their owners and employees in a state of uncertainty. Some employees are worried about what the future holds for them, especially those who have not been paid for their last pay period, like Mary Saucedo, who worked at D’Coffee Bouteaque.

Ira Mosley, the owner of Papa Dan’s Pizza and Pasta, is one such owner who is struggling to keep up with payroll during these challenging times. He has been covering all costs out of pocket, hoping that the insurance company will eventually reimburse him. Despite reaching out to the owner of D’Coffee Bouteaque for comment, News Channel 3 has not received a response.

Mosley expressed his concern for his long-term employees, some of whom he has worked with for 35 years. He understands that finding work in the desert during the slower summer months can be difficult and does not want to lose his staff. In an effort to support his employees during this difficult time, he has started a GoFundMe campaign. He is also abiding by both federal and California labor laws, ensuring that his employees receive their rightful pay.

Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, employers must pay their workers regular wages for hours worked before a disaster as well as any overtime at the appropriate rate. Additionally, California labor law mandates that employees must be paid at least twice each month on designated paydays. As plans are in place to relocate to the same shopping center they were in before, Mosley hopes to reopen by October. For more information on this ongoing situation, tune in to News Channel 3 at 6:00 p.m.