There’s good reason you’ll find queues out the door every weekend at Lode Pies & Pastries – their pastries not only look incredible, they’re inventive, moreish, and baked to perfection. Behind this pastry paradise is Federico Zanellato (LuMi and Restaurant Leo) and Execute Pastry Chef Riccardo Girardi Falcone (Rockpool Group, The Waterside Inn), whose journey from the Amalfi Coast to the heart of Sydney is as rich and layered as the pastries he crafts.
From the Amalfi Coast to Michelin Stars
Riccardo’s love affair with food began in his hometown, a small village at the bottom of the Amalfi Coast. “Hospitality is in the family, to be honest,” Riccardo recalls. “My auntie, she’s got a beautiful restaurant just below my house. Food is part of the family, it’s in our day-to-day lives.”
His journey took him from London, where he worked at the prestigious Waterside Inn under Michel Roux, to Milan’s Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia, before he settled in Sydney. Each experience honed his skills and deepened his love for pastry. “Since I did a few courses at Valrhona, I only focused myself on pastry,” Riccardo says, highlighting his dedication to the craft.
A change of scenery
Whilst Riccardo has always been familiar with pastry, his background had always been in restaurants, so when Federico approached him for Lode Pies & Pastries, he welcomed the new challenge. “Before, I was managing multiple venues and much bigger operations, but I’m loving this new experience with him,” says Riccardo. “This is such an honour to work alongside Federico. We share very similar views. That’s why we end up working together.”
This collaboration, driven by a shared passion for innovative food, led to the creation of a bakery that blends traditional techniques with contemporary flavours. The menu has favourites from LuMi as well as new ones that the team come up with all the time. Their pithivier is a savoury pie made with their signature puff pastry and a hole in the middle to pour in a dash of chicken gravy – it’s delicately delectable. But if you’re after something sweet, there’s plenty to choose from, whether it be a raspberry tart or a pistachio croissant.
Their first location started on Surry Hills’ Crown Street, a hot spot for restaurants and cafes. The bakery quickly amassed a huge following, with tourists marking it as a must-visit destination on their trip to Sydney. The team expanded to a second in a new dining precinct in Sydney’s Circular Quay, with more locations on the way soon.
Embracing Technology with Square
Running a successful bakery in today’s digital age requires more than just culinary expertise – it demands savvy business acumen and the right tools. For Lode Pies & Pastries, Square has been an invaluable partner in streamlining operations and enhancing customer experience.
“I love it, personally,” Riccardo says of Square. “I find it’s a little bit like Apple. It’s more user-friendly.” Square’s intuitive interface and flexible solutions have made it easier for Riccardo and his team to manage transactions and inventory seamlessly.
Using Square Register allows them to run their separate customer display away from their main POS unit and closer to the customer, making checkouts transparent and efficient. One of the standout features for Lode Pies & Pastries is Square’s offline mode, which allows them to continue processing payments even during internet outages. This reliability has been crucial, especially during busy weekends at their Surry Hills location.
In addition to payment processing, the bakery utilises Square’s Kitchen Display System, which has replaced traditional printers.
We always had issues with the losing dockets, not doing the dockets, Now having it electronically, it’s fantastic.”
Riccardo Girardi Falcone → Executive Pastry Chef
Crafting a Brand That Resonates
Beyond the pastries, Lode Pies & Pastries has cultivated a brand that resonates with a diverse audience. Riccardo attributes part of their success to effective branding and marketing. “The demographic that we’re targeting is very passionate about food,” he explains. It has become a destination for food lovers who appreciate quality and innovation.
The branding, a collaborative effort with Federico’s wife, ensures that every aspect of the customer experience aligns with the premium quality of their products. “If you pay $20 for a pie, the packaging needs to be for a $20 pie,” Riccardo emphasises.
Looking Ahead: Ambitions and Growth
As Lode Pies & Pastries continues to thrive, Riccardo remains committed to growth and innovation. The team is exploring new ways to expand their reach, including launching an online store powered by Square. This venture will allow them to manage inventory in real-time and offer their delectable creations to a wider audience. The team is also about to open a new venue in North Sydney.
Despite the challenges that come with running a business, Riccardo’s passion for pastry and dedication to excellence remain unwavering. “We never stop learning,” he says, reflecting on his journey. For those considering their own entrepreneurial path, Riccardo’s story is a reminder that with passion, the right partnerships, and the right tools, anything is possible.
Lode Pies & Pastries is more than just a bakery; it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication to craft. For small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, their journey offers inspiration and valuable insights into building a brand that not only survives but thrives in a competitive market. With the support of partners like Square, Lode Pies & Pastries is poised to continue delighting customers and setting new standards in the world of pastry.
