Coffee Dose Expands Rapidly with Square's Support
1. From Pop-Up to Powerhouse
In a remarkable journey from a modest 88-square-foot pop-up to a thriving eight-figure hospitality brand, Coffee Dose has become a notable player in the specialty coffee market. Founded in 2018 by Jeni and Oscar Castro, the brand has gained significant traction across Southern California, boasting four locations and two additional venues set to open in 2026. With Square as its unified commerce platform, Coffee Dose is strategically positioned for continued growth and success.
2. Exciting New Concepts on the Horizon
Coffee Dose is set to launch two innovative concepts this year: the Coffee Dose Brunch Club in Encinitas in June 2026, and a flagship 3,600-square-foot location in Palm Springs in the fall. The Palm Springs venue, which will occupy an acre of desert land, is anticipated to be the brand's largest and most versatile location, featuring a drive-thru and walk-up window alongside full interior service. This expansion highlights Coffee Dose's commitment to reimagining the coffee experience while leveraging Square's infrastructure to manage operations seamlessly.
3. A Unique Approach to Coffee
What sets Coffee Dose apart in a competitive market is its dedication to clean ingredients and an irreverent branding strategy. With no prior coffee industry experience, the Castro duo focused on creating a loyal customer base through a distinctive menu that includes therapeutic lattes, house-made syrups, and vegan- and keto-friendly food options. Their innovative offerings, such as the proprietary Anti Bitch Blend roast, have resonated with health-conscious consumers, driving the brand's meteoric rise.
4. Leveraging Square for Operational Efficiency
Since integrating Square into its operations in 2021, Coffee Dose has harnessed the platform's robust capabilities to facilitate its rapid growth. Jeni Castro, Co-Founder and CEO, emphasized the importance of Square, stating, “I see it as a partner that helps me scale my business in the most impactful way.” The brand utilizes a variety of Square's tools, including Square Register, Square Handheld, and the Kitchen Display System (KDS), to streamline operations and enhance customer engagement.
Square’s ecosystem supports Coffee Dose in managing high-volume counter service, order flow, and customer loyalty programs across multiple locations. The integration of Per Diem for mobile order-ahead and loyalty rewards further enhances the customer experience, providing a seamless transition from in-store to on-the-go service.
5. Preparing for Future Growth
As Coffee Dose gears up for its upcoming openings, both new locations will operate on Square’s platform from day one. This strategic decision underscores the brand's confidence in Square's ability to deliver a consistent operational foundation while maintaining its unique brand identity across diverse formats.
James Schonzeit, Head of Food & Beverage at Square, highlighted the alignment between Coffee Dose's growth trajectory and Square's technological offerings: “They came to Square in 2021 and have grown significantly since. With two more openings this year, Square gives them the operational foundation to expand with confidence while preserving their standout brand identity across new concepts.”
6. Conclusion
With its innovative approach to coffee and a strong partnership with Square, Coffee Dose is well-positioned to make a lasting impact in the specialty coffee market. As the brand continues to expand its footprint across Southern California, it serves as an inspiring example of how leveraging technology can propel a business from humble beginnings to remarkable success. Coffee enthusiasts and investors alike will be watching closely as Coffee Dose unfolds its next chapter.