Birch Coffee Expands Presence with Square's Unified Commerce Solution

On April 10, 2026, Birch Coffee, one of New York City’s cherished independent coffee brands, announced the opening of its twelfth location, powered by Square’s unified commerce platform. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the company, which has built its reputation on a strong hospitality-first ethos and a commitment to fostering community connections.

Birch Coffee co-founder Jeremy Lyman expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Square, highlighting its ease of use and scalability. "It’s easy to use, easy to train on, and easy to scale with," he stated, underscoring the operational advantages that Square provides. Before transitioning to Square, Birch Coffee operated on a legacy point-of-sale system that struggled to keep pace with evolving customer expectations. The switch to Square has not only streamlined operations but also empowered the staff to deliver consistent service across all locations.

Founded in 2009 by two bartenders, Birch Coffee began as a small local venture and has transformed into a recognized name throughout the city. The founders’ dedication to quality and community engagement has been a driving force behind their success. In 2025, Birch Coffee achieved a remarkable 16% year-over-year growth, a testament to its strong local reputation and the effective commerce solutions provided by Square.

Operating in the fast-paced environment of New York City presents unique challenges, including high competition and demanding customer expectations. Square’s platform is designed to address these challenges, offering robust solutions that help manage high transaction volumes and complex staffing needs. Birch Coffee utilizes several Square products, including Square Register and Square for Restaurants, which enhance service operations and community engagement through features like email marketing and gift cards.

Additionally, Birch Coffee has integrated a custom-built API and partnered with 7shifts for workforce scheduling, showcasing the flexibility of Square’s open platform to cater specifically to their operational needs.

Nick Molnar, Global Head of Sales & Marketing at Block, emphasized the tailored approach that Square offers to the café industry. He stated, "Cafés have some of the most demanding commerce needs... Square is purpose-built to meet those demands." The ability to scale operations without adding complexity allows businesses like Birch Coffee to thrive in a competitive landscape while maintaining their unique brand identity.

With its twelfth location now operational, Birch Coffee is poised for further growth and remains committed to deepening its connections within the coffee community. The collaboration with Square as its unified commerce provider positions the brand to expand while staying true to the hospitality-driven values that have defined its journey from the beginning.

In a city known for its vibrant café culture, Birch Coffee continues to set a standard for quality and service, making it a beloved choice for coffee enthusiasts across New York City. As the coffee shop landscape evolves, Birch Coffee is ready to brew more successes with the innovative support of Square.