Coffee shops are all the rage these days. I dare say that every town has at least one…if not multiple brick walled and wooden tabled coffee serving establishments. Lancaster, PA is not unique in this way. It boasts well over ten shops in the city alone with others scattered across the county.
So what makes Square One Café rise above the rest? -their “passion for coffee and a belief that people matter.” This simple yet succinct motto motivates the high quality and innovative experience that Square One gives to each customer. It is not simply a coffee shop but a space that encourages discussion and cultivates community. It provides both indoor and outdoor seating (the back patio is a vision from a storybook) and rotating local artwork.
Each barista is trained through the Specialty Coffee Association of America and is happy to answer any questions regarding their work, coffee, roasting, etc. Square One also offers certification through SCAA for those interested in taking classes.
They currently have two locations (Lancaster & Philadelphia) and serve/sell “high-end specialty coffee that is sourced ethically and sustainably.” The shop also writes a blog, post videos, and has recently participated in a film entitled A Film About Coffee.
What inspires me about this little nook on Duke Street is its ability to reach beyond its four walls and into the hearts of its customers. Whether it is their consistent and contagious joy, stellar interactive web design, or social media presence, Square One strives to achieve excellence in all areas.
They continually pivot and innovate through their shop design, merchandise, courses, training, expansion, etc. They have become more than a coffee shop and instead, an experience – one that transcends a ceramic mug. So if you happen to visit Lancaster in the near future, please stop by Square One Coffee; you are certainly in for a treat!
As shown by the black and white striped mug I bring to class every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I am huge coffee lover. Coffee is great, but coffee shops can be even better. Unlike some chain coffee hangouts, I think many of us can attest to the customer centered atmosphere that coffee shops like Square One Coffee, or Beans presents. No two coffee shops are the same. Each appeals to a different crowd. Next time I’m in Lancaster, I’ll try to stop by! 🙂
I think Square One Coffee’s ensuring that all their employees are extremely knowledgeable about their products is a great idea to help ensure all customers have a great experience and set them apart from other shops in a crowded market.
I think places like Square One are becoming more and more popular. People are no longer just searching for coffee but for an experience. When your value proposition offers an experience and a product your value as a business increases because people are valuing the experience more and more. Its no longer good enough to get the cheap brewed coffee at home but instead we are willing to pay much more for similar coffee just to have that experience of feeling valued and a community. Square One is ahead of the curve and I expect them to continue to grow as the put the customers experience high on their priority list.
Becca, great blog post. I agree with Ellen Glenn that there are two coffee shops alike. Its fun to visit small towns…and big cities as well and get a “taste” of the uniqueness of each shop. Besides, this shop is close to home for me, and once again makes me happy and proud to see booming businesses in my own county. This blog definitely peaked my interest in visiting this joyful sounding shop!