In a significant move blending tradition with modern technology, Katz’s Delicatessen has teamed up with Square to enhance its operations, ensuring that this iconic New York establishment remains a preferred choice for both locals and tourists as it adapts to contemporary consumer demands. Founded in 1888, Katz’s has long been a culinary landmark, famous for its house-cured, hand-carved pastrami and corned beef.
The partnership comes at a time when restaurants need to evolve their business strategies rapidly. With an impressive output of 30,000 pounds of pastrami and 12,000 pounds of corned beef per week, Katz’s must efficiently manage both in-person and online orders. “Katz’s has been serving New Yorkers and visitors from around the world for generations," said Jake Dell, Owner of Katz’s. "Partnering with Square allows us to build on the experience our customers love while embracing modern commerce solutions."
A key benefit of the collaboration is the Streamlined Operations model. Equipped with Square’s platform, Katz’s can now efficiently manage orders across different sales channels. Square Register is utilized at Katz’s two physical locations to ensure quick and accurate service, while Square Terminals and Handhelds facilitate sales at special events. Moreover, to support their e-commerce operation—which originally took off during WWII—Katz’s will leverage Square’s integration with Magento to enhance their shipping capabilities across the nation.
For small business owners, the Katz’s and Square partnership serves as a compelling case study on the benefits of integrating technology into traditional models. Adopting innovative solutions can lead to improved efficiency, better customer experiences, and potentially increased revenue through expanded online sales. Nick Molnar, Global Head of Sales and Marketing at Block, remarked, "Square empowers Katz’s to serve its legendary pastrami to the next generation of customers while maintaining the traditions that have made them a culinary institution."
However, while such partnerships can drive growth, small business owners should be aware of potential challenges. Transitioning to a new operational framework requires upfront investment in technology and training staff to adapt to new processes. Businesses should also assess the long-term compatibility of their existing practices with the new systems they plan to implement.
Katz’s experience highlights several practical applications for small businesses. For instance, robust point-of-sale systems like Square Register can enhance customer satisfaction by reducing wait times during busy hours. Similarly, integrating e-commerce solutions allows businesses to tap into new markets, providing an avenue for sustained revenue growth even outside peak in-store hours.
Moreover, the collaboration aims to extend beyond operations. There are plans for future national activations to celebrate neighborhood commerce and culinary heritage, highlighting how businesses can foster community ties through innovative partnerships. Katz’s will leverage these pop-up experiences to bring the deli’s renowned flavors to cities across the country.
For small business owners inspired by Katz’s transformation, it is essential to consider strategic partnerships that not only provide technical solutions but also align with their brand’s mission and customer expectations. As the business landscape evolves, investing in technology can ensure that traditional establishments like Katz’s not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.
This partnership ultimately demonstrates the power of merging time-honored traditions with modern efficiencies, offering valuable insights for small businesses eager to embrace change while staying true to their roots. To see more about Katz’s Delicatessen and their partnership with Square, visit the original press release here.
Image Via BizSugar
