Powering Restaurant Group Success with Streamlined Payroll & Support
Background: Managing Payroll for a Busy Restaurant Group
Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen is a standout Houston restaurant group known for its vibrant atmosphere, award-winning margaritas, and bold Mexican cuisine. Behind the scenes is Ashley Gutierrez, who has managed payroll and bookkeeping for over a decade across three high-traffic locations with more than 240 employees.
As a bookkeeper within the dynamic restaurant industry, Ashley faces unique payroll and HR challenges. The restaurant business is fast-paced and constantly changing—staff turnover can be high, employee tips need careful tracking, and payroll must remain accurate and timely, despite these complexities. Ashley puts it simply:
“In the restaurant industry, time is everything. Payroll can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t have the right tools and support. I needed something simple, accurate, and efficient.”
Why AllianceHCM Works for Restaurant Groups
Over the years, Ashley found the perfect partner with AllianceHCM. Alliance’s platform is built to support the demands of fast-paced, multi-location restaurants. Key features like real-time payroll data access, automated onboarding, direct deposit, and employee self-service have transformed the way Ambriza manages payroll and HR.
Alliance’s intuitive design simplifies Ashley’s complex responsibilities, streamlining tasks that previously consumed valuable hours.
“Since switching to a more automated setup with Alliance, I’ve saved so much time. Anything that helps take work off my plate and off the managers’ plates is a win.”
Yet, beyond these critical tools, the standout difference for Ashley has been Alliance’s exceptional customer service:
“What’s always kept me with Alliance is their customer service. Every time I call, someone knowledgeable answers immediately. They know my business and are ready to help, no matter what.”
It’s not just about the platform — it’s about the people behind it. For Ashley, the peace of mind that comes from knowing help is always a phone call away is invaluable. She knows she can count on Alliance to deliver, whether it’s a routine question or something more urgent.
“Any time I’ve needed help—whether it’s a quick question or something time-sensitive—Alliance is on it immediately. They don’t make me wait, they don’t pass me around. I get someone who knows exactly what to do and genuinely wants to help. You just don’t see that kind of responsiveness anywhere else.”
Scalable Payroll Support for Growing Restaurant Teams
AllianceHCM’s pricing model is especially well-suited for restaurants that need flexibility as they grow:
“Alliance allows us to pay only for the services we actually use, rather than forcing us into bundled packages. It’s a fair and scalable approach that fits our growing business perfectly.”
The Result: Less Stress, More Efficiency
Today, Ambriza enjoys significant operational efficiencies thanks to AllianceHCM. Ashley notes the positive impact on daily operations and morale, emphasizing the peace of mind it gives her personally and professionally.
“AllianceHCM makes my job easier every single day—and in this business, that’s the highest compliment I can give. It’s not just software—it’s a genuine partnership.”
A Recommendation Built on Trust
Ultimately, Ashley’s highest praise for AllianceHCM is her willingness—and eagerness—to recommend them to others. After over 11 years of firsthand experience, Ashley shares her trust openly:
“I absolutely recommend Alliance—and I already have, many times. When people ask me who we use for payroll, I never hesitate to tell them Alliance and offer the number. It’s a hands-on company where you’ll always talk to someone who truly understands your business. To me, that kind of relationship is everything.”
