Black Seed Bagels, a rapidly expanding artisan bagel brand, is reshaping New York City’s culinary landscape while effectively managing growth through innovative technology. Founded by co-owners Noah Bernamoff and Matt Kliegman, the brand has become synonymous with quality and craftsmanship since its inception. By leveraging Square’s unified commerce platform, Black Seed Bagels has scaled to ten locations and tripled its gross payments volume, all while maintaining its commitment to handcrafted quality.
The story of Black Seed Bagels reflects a significant shift in consumer expectations around fast-casual dining. Bernamoff and Kliegman recognized a gap in the market for high-quality, service-oriented bagels and took action. The brand is distinguished by its unique offerings, which blend elements from both Montreal and New York-style bagels, being boiled in honey water and baked in wood-burning ovens. This innovative approach has turned Black Seed Bagels into a beloved destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Since partnering with Square in 2017, the brand has fully integrated a platform that manages the complexities of running a high-volume quick-service restaurant (QSR). Following an initial rapid expansion from three to eight locations, Black Seed Bagels faced severe challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, even nearing shutdown. However, the brand emerged more robust than ever, notably achieving over $1 million in monthly gross payments for the first time in 2023.
“Square has been in lock-step with our growth since 2017,” said Lindsay Todres, Director of Experience at Black Seed Bagels. “Square technology has supported us through every stage of our business, from ambitious expansion to the hardest stretch any restaurant could face.”
Technology plays a crucial role in facilitating Black Seed Bagels’ operation, helping it handle not only high customer traffic but also the intricate logistics of multiple locations. The business utilizes a suite of Square products, including Square Register for in-store transactions, Square for Restaurants for overall management, and Square Loyalty to enhance customer engagement. This comprehensive approach not only streamlines operations but also improves insights into customer behaviors and preferences, which can drive future growth.
Among Black Seed Bagels’ strategic initiatives is its catering service, which has also benefitted from Square’s Flex tool. This functionality allows for event-specific invoicing, further diversifying revenue streams. With the integration of delivery services like UberEats, GrubHub, and DoorDash through Lunchbox, Black Seed Bagels captures a broader audience, helping to enhance its market presence.
The operational demands of running a multi-location food brand in an urban environment like New York City cannot be understated. Small business owners might find inspiration in how Black Seed Bagels has navigated the challenges of such complexities. Efficient workforce scheduling through 7Shifts and exemplary customer experience management tools have allowed the brand to maintain operational excellence without compromising quality.
“Black Seed Bagels embodies the ambition Square was designed to support,” remarked James Schonzeit, Head of Food & Beverage at Square. “What they’ve built over the past decade—surviving a pandemic, tripling volume, and expanding without losing the soul of what makes them special—is a testament to great operators working with the right tools.”
As Black Seed Bagels continues to expand its footprint, including catering and retail partnerships with grocery giants like Whole Foods and FreshDirect, it remains steadfast in its mission: to do the simple things exceptionally well while fostering a strong community around its brand.
For small business owners, the key takeaway from Black Seed Bagels’ journey is clear: managing growth effectively requires robust technology solutions. A well-integrated commerce platform can support operational demands and allow businesses to focus on core competencies, ensuring that quality and customer experience remain at the forefront. By aligning with the right partners and being strategic about growth and technology, any small business could set itself on a path of sustainable success.
For more information on how Square supports food and beverage businesses, you can visit squareup.com/restaurants or read more about Black Seed Bagels’ initiatives here.
Image Via BizSugar
