The recent legal complaint filed in Ventura County, California, sheds light on a complex business dispute involving allegations of breach of contract and labor law violations. The plaintiffs, Julio C. Lopez and Maria G. Castor, have brought the case against Narrez Inc., a California corporation, and its CEO Roberto Naranjo. The lawsuit was officially filed on October 11, 2024.
The complaint outlines a series of grievances that began with an agreement made on July 26, 2023. According to the plaintiffs, Lopez entered into a written contract with Naranjo to invest $50,000 in Narrez Inc.'s new venture, Mi Pueblo Café. In return for his investment and managerial duties at the café, Lopez was promised a return on investment based on specific financial metrics outlined in their agreement. However, as the café's monthly gross receipts exceeded $60,000 by September 2023, Naranjo allegedly failed to fulfill his contractual obligations by not paying Lopez the agreed-upon weekly salary of $950.
Lopez claims that he fulfilled his part of the agreement by investing $30,000 directly into a designated account and covering an additional $20,000 in expenses through vendor payments for necessary supplies and equipment. Despite this commitment and the café's financial success surpassing initial expectations, Naranjo's failure to compensate Lopez as promised led to his resignation from the position on June 30, 2024.
Furthermore, both plaintiffs allege violations of various labor laws during their employment at Mi Pueblo Café. They assert that they were not paid minimum wages or overtime wages due under California law and were denied required meal and rest periods. These claims are supported by references to specific sections of the California Labor Code that mandate proper wage payment practices.
The plaintiffs are seeking several forms of relief from the court. They demand compensation for unpaid wages and overtime pay alongside liquidated damages as prescribed by labor statutes. Additionally, they seek reimbursement for expenses incurred during their employment and restitution for unjust enrichment resulting from their investment in the café without receiving returns or repayment.
Represented by attorney Louis H. Kreuzer II from The Law Office of Louis H. Kreuzer II in Ventura County, California, Julio C. Lopez and Maria G. Castor are pursuing justice through this legal action against Narrez Inc., Roberto Naranjo, and other unnamed defendants referred to as DOES 1 through 50 within their complaint (Case No: 2024CTIQE03 1595).