Square, renowned for empowering small businesses to thrive in their communities, is enhancing its support for Blackbird Bakery—a cherished fixture in South London known for its artisan breads, pastries, and coffee. With more than 20 years of dedicated service, Blackbird Bakery has expanded from a single location to ten branches, along with market stalls and partnerships, all while focusing on quality ingredients and community engagement.
Amidst its impressive growth, Blackbird Bakery hired Valerio Diecidue as Head of Retail Operations in 2024, seeking to refine its business structure for future expansion. A key strategy was the migration to Square’s integrated ecosystem, replacing an outdated till system with a modern solution capable of scaling with the bakery’s ambitions.
“If we wanted to expand and grow, we needed the right technology,” Diecidue stated. “Square was already on my radar as a great solution, and it was also recommended by several operators we trust. It has transformed how we run our business—from providing real-time data and insights to enhancing the customer and staff experience.”
Square’s point-of-sale system and integrated Kitchen Display System (KDS) now streamline operations across all Blackbird locations. Orders are communicated instantly from the customer to the kitchen, ensuring a fluid experience for both staff and guests. The system’s user-friendly design means new employees can confidently manage sales in under 20 minutes, addressing a common challenge in fast-paced environments. Moreover, Blackbird’s loyalty program operates through Embargo, a trusted partner within Square’s network, simplifying customer retention efforts.
For small business owners, the integration of technology like Square presents both opportunities and challenges. The operational efficiency gained can lead to improved customer satisfaction and quicker team training—a significant advantage in today’s competitive marketplace. However, transitioning to a new system also requires initial investment and staff training, which can be daunting for those running lean operations.
Blackbird Bakery’s strategy to prioritize quality and community ties showcases how technology can support rather than overshadow traditional business values. As Diecidue noted, “Square looks great from a customer perspective, is simple to use, and gives us the tools we need to keep growing.” This sentiment reflects a growing trend among small businesses to leverage technology as a means to enhance their local presence without compromising their core values.
As Blackbird Bakery continues to explore new locations in London, Square remains a crucial ally in this journey. “Square is proud to partner with iconic businesses like Blackbird Bakery that embody the spirit of the local community while looking ahead to ambitious growth,” stated Ming-Tai Huh, Head of Food & Beverage at Square. “By combining Square’s flexible technology with their passion for quality and neighborhood connection, Blackbird is perfectly positioned to continue thriving for the next 20 years and beyond.”
With a vision firmly rooted in community engagement and an operational backbone fortified by technology, Blackbird Bakery exemplifies how small businesses can scale effectively while maintaining their unique identity. For those interested in similar growth strategies, Square offers resources tailored to bakeries and cafés throughout the UK.
To learn more about how Square supports small businesses, visit Square. For additional insights into how Blackbird Bakery has embraced technology while retaining its local charm, check out the original press release here.
Image Via BizSugar
