Blackbird Bakery Adopts Square’s Integrated Platform to Support Expansion Efforts in London
Blackbird Bakery, a South London institution with over 20 years of operation, has implemented Square’s integrated business ecosystem, including its point-of-sale (POS) and Kitchen Display System (KDS), to support its planned expansion across London.
Blackbird Bakery, founded over two decades ago, has expanded organically from a single location to ten, alongside market stalls and partnerships. Known for its sourdough, which accounts for a quarter of its trade, the bakery emphasizes quality ingredients and community. In 2024, Valerio Diecidue was appointed Head of Retail Operations to introduce structure and prepare for the company’s next growth phase.
One of Mr. Diecidue’s initial initiatives was the migration to Square’s integrated ecosystem, replacing an older till system. He stated, “If we wanted to expand and grow, we needed the right technology. Square was already on my radar as a great solution, and it was also recommended by several operators we trust.”
Blackbird Bakery now utilizes Square’s point-of-sale (POS) and integrated Kitchen Display System (KDS) across all its locations. This system facilitates instant order flow from customer to kitchen, aiming for a seamless experience for staff and patrons. Mr. Diecidue added that Square “has transformed how we run our business – from giving us real-time data and insights to making the customer and staff experience effortless. Square looks great from a customer perspective, is simple to use, and gives us the tools we need to keep growing.” The system’s design allows new team members to become proficient on tills in under 20 minutes.
The bakery’s loyalty program is supported by Embargo, a Square partner, ensuring an integrated and effective solution. With community central to its identity and growth in sight, Blackbird Bakery is actively exploring new locations across London.
Ming-Tai Huh, Head of Food & Beverage at Square, commented on the partnership: “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. By combining Square’s flexible technology with their passion for quality and neighbourhood connection, Blackbird is perfectly positioned to continue thriving for the next 20 years and beyond.”
Square, established in 2009 with the introduction of its mobile card reader, operates as a global business platform. It provides tools for millions of sellers, encompassing point-of-sale, payments, online commerce, staff management, and banking, designed to support businesses in running and growing their operations.
