7 Leaves Cafe Brews Up a Tech Upgrade: Partners with Square to Streamline Operations Across All 44 U.S. Stores
In a strategic move to fuel its national expansion, 7 Leaves Cafe, the Vietnamese-American specialty beverage chain, has announced a comprehensive partnership with financial technology giant Square. The deal will see Square's commerce tools deployed across all 44 of the chain's U.S. locations, aiming to create a seamless customer experience whether ordering at the counter, via drive-thru, or through digital channels.
The rollout includes Square Register for in-store operations and Square Handheld devices for employees in drive-through lanes, ensuring order accuracy and speed. Beyond point-of-sale, 7 Leaves is integrating Square Loyalty to reward its dedicated customer base and connecting its systems to Sage Intacct for back-office financial management. The chain will also utilize the 7shifts platform through Square's Partner Ecosystem for workforce scheduling.
"Our growth from a single neighborhood shop in Westminster to a multi-state brand demanded a technology partner that could grow with us," said co-founder Sonny Nguyen. "Square brings it all together—streamlining our operations so our teams can concentrate on crafting the perfect drink and connecting with our community."
Founded in 2012, 7 Leaves Cafe has become a cultural staple, known for its Vietnamese-style coffee, milk teas, and herbal infusions. This tech overhaul is seen as a critical step to maintain service consistency and operational efficiency as it competes in the crowded premium beverage sector.
Industry Perspective: Analysts note that such integrations are becoming essential for mid-sized chains looking to scale. "This isn't just about faster payments," said industry consultant Marcus Chen. "It's a holistic operational play. Leveraging a unified platform for loyalty, inventory, and finance provides invaluable data to drive strategic decisions for a brand at this growth stage."
Customer Reactions: Regulars had mixed initial views. Jessica Rivera, a frequent visitor at a Texas location, was optimistic: "If it means my rewards are tracked easier and my drive-thru line moves faster, I'm all for it. They've kept their unique flavors while getting more professional."
However, David Park, a long-time patron from the original California shop, expressed sharper skepticism: "I hope this 'streamlining' doesn't strip away the personal touch that made them special. Too many brands get robotic after partnering with these tech behemoths. I'll believe the 'elevated experience' when I see—and taste—it."
The partnership positions 7 Leaves Cafe to potentially explore deeper digital engagement, like advanced mobile ordering, as it continues its expansion across the Sun Belt and beyond.