Restauranteur Riccardo Dardha knows that remarkable culinary experiences start with community roots and time to focus on great food. An efficient approach to running payroll helped him focus on growing his restaurant.
Works alongside their bookkeeper for better financial collaboration
Pays both full-time and part-time employees by direct deposit and check
Syncs data to top accounting software directly from payroll
Company size: 11+ employees
Where: Astoria, NY
Client Industry: Restaurant
Joined OnPay: January 2023
In 2023, after years of working in the restaurant industry, Riccardo Dardha opened his own dining establishment, Figlia, in Astoria, Queens, the very neighborhood where he and his wife had started their family. The restaurant’s name is more than a memorable moniker, as Figlia is also the name of Riccardo’s daughter, which means “daughter” in Italian.
“Having a restaurant and working in the city meant spending less time in Astoria, but my wife and I always tried to frequent local stores and support local businesses,” Riccardo said. “We also got to appreciate and participate more in the caring, close-knit community we live in. It was only natural that my next project would be in Astoria.”
Keeping the restaurant close to home became a reality when he found the space on 23rd Avenue. There was another bonus because this was more than a homecoming. Around the corner, he discovered local purveyors who would become key partners, making the project even more meaningful.
“While under construction, I had the chance to speak with many neighbors and passersby who seemed eager and excited to experience our restaurant and have welcomed us with open arms,” Riccardo said. “I am excited that my team and I will be able to offer a taste of our food and warm hospitality to this welcoming neighborhood.”
The restaurant highlights the breadth of local businesses — such as Astoria Seafood, International Meat Market, Murray’s Cheese, and Earth & Me — that offer support to one another throughout Astoria and Long Island City.
Riccardo had worked through every position in the food service realm from server to general manager and, ultimately, partner and owner. Reflecting on his journey, he said simply: “You have to start from somewhere.”
As an owner, Riccardo prioritized streamlining processes wherever possible, especially in the early days when he had to run much of the operation on his own. As his team grew, he began evaluating areas for improvement, and soon, one climbed to the top of the to-do list after a conversation with his bookkeeper: Figlia’s payroll process needed an upgrade.
This wasn’t unfamiliar territory for Riccardo, who had already worked with three different payroll providers before opening Figlia. With the fast-paced, hands-on nature of the restaurant business — where every day is an “all hands on deck” scenario — he needed payroll software that was intuitive, easy to maintain, and reliable. His must-haves were clear:
When Riccardo set out to find a new payroll provider, he turned to a recommendation from his bookkeeper, who suggested OnPay for its ease of use and seamless integrations. From the start, it was a smooth experience. Figlia’s bookkeeper connected Riccardo with an OnPay customer support representative, and after just one conversation, Riccardo was ready to bring the restaurant on board. The platform was intuitive, with a simple DIY setup, and the support team was always just a call away — staffed by knowledgeable experts who made the transition easy.
Unlike previous big-name providers pushing complex features Riccardo didn’t need, he wanted simplicity — something user-friendly with easy access to customer service. OnPay delivered. Once he made the switch, the setup was straightforward. Soon he was running payroll exactly how he wanted and spending less time on tax calculations and printing checks.
— Riccardo D., Figlia
Since moving to OnPay, Riccardo can now complete payroll in under two hours each month. The platform’s six levels of flexible permissions make collaborating with his financial advisor and team members effortless. The two-way integration with QuickBooks Online creates a seamless sync with his accounting software, and employees can choose between direct deposit or printed checks — giving Riccardo flexibility when paying employees. Since switching, Riccardo has more time to focus on what matters most: running his restaurant and supporting his staff and fellow community.
Try OnPay out yourself to see how easy payroll and HR can be. To get started, just share a few basic details about your business. Our team of pros will set everything up and import your employees’ information for you.
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