Speciality Food Magazine - April 2026

for it, and it’s even gone viral on socials.” A community that builds you up Situated in Hackney Downs Studios and surrounded by over 100 other independent businesses, it’s hard not to feel supported by your neighbours: “Our community supports us a lot and everyone knows someone,” says Tom. “So, whatever it is you need, there’s always someone there to help. For example, I’m using a designer from the shop next door for our next big project.” From a solo start, Tom now supports his own community – employing 15 people that he entrusts to run T om’s Pasta, situated in the heart of Dalston, East London, is one of the 4.5 million businesses worldwide that uses Square, whether it’s managing payments, taking orders, or creating staff rotas. Having used Square since starting his business three-and- a-half years ago, owner TomHaydon explains how Square has helped it grow a staggering 3,000%. Fromgarden shed to restaurant and deli Tom’s Pastawelcomes hundreds of customers each day, whether that’s for relaxed evening dining or takeaway favourites from the deli. What began during Covid as ready- to-bake lasagne cooked in Tom’s garden shed and hand-delivered by bike, grew rapidlywithin just a year and a half into a bustling restaurant, then extending into a popular deli sixmonths later. Afirm neighbourhood favourite, Tom’s Pasta blends Italian ingredients with British produce. The restaurant is best-known for its famous beef-shin lasagne – a dish that’s earned a loyal following with its promise to be ‘better than yourmum’s!’. “We sell tens of thousands of these a year,”Tom reveals. “People keep coming back 19 An Invaluable Tool How Square helped ‘Tom’s Pasta’ restaurant and deli grow by 3,000% accountmanager too,wherewe chat about growth and needs – it’s so reassuring and the functions they offer are truly amazing.” A range of products for all Nomatterwhat type of business you’re running, Square’s got hardware that can fit right into yourway of working. From Square handheld – a nifty, small device that can fit into your pocket and is ideal for taking orders and payments at the table or in the queue, to Square Register – a till system that sits on the deli counter and allows you to keep a close eye on the running of the store. To add to the toolbox, Square launched a free, conversational AI feature built directlywithin the platform – allowing businesses tomake clearer, faster decisions rooted in their own data and speeding up processes to put time back into retailers’ hands. This powerful new feature aims to make big-business intelligence more accessible for every retailer. “Square is one piece of software withmany elements, and I am always encouragingmy staff to play aroundwith it as there’s always something new to learn.” Time is precious – Square gives it back Above all, Square saves time for business owners by allowing them to take payments quickly and halving staff training time. Plus, with offline mode, you can say goodbye towaving your device in the airwhen you have no signal. “Whether it’s saving time on payroll or counting hours, Square saves me somuch time eachweek. Everything is in one place. I can flick between different locations quickly, monitoringwho’s working in the deli, kitchen and restaurant. You can even create a rota and send it straight to your staffmembers’ app.” Since using Square, Tom’s Pasta has seen its business growby 3,000%. Imaginewhat it could do for your business. Formore information, head to Square.com PARTNER CONTENT the day-to-day of his business. “My job nowadays is tomake sure everyone’s okay and the day runs smoothly. There’s somany behind- the-scenes things to think about – from expansion plans, to payroll and HR – all while balancing the workload in the kitchen and not forgetting all the admin too.” This is where Square has been highly instrumental in helping Tom’s Pasta expand. Square is able to flex to the business’s needs as Tom’s enterprise has grown, helping tomanage new locations, business types and employees, all within one ecosystemof products. The ‘all in one’ Square ecosystem Ensuring his restaurant and deli areworking smoothly is crucial so Tom can focus on doingwhat he does best: building relationships with customers, inspiring his team, curating products, and hunting down the next big thing. He uses Square tomanage payroll, take orders, save time on training staff, andmore. “Square puts everything in one place and it all links together seamlessly – I don’t need to do anythingmanually anymore” says Tom. As well as streamlining operations, Square provides vital insights to help businesses run more efficiently and profitably. Wonderingwhat’s the best-selling itemof the day? Square lets you know, so you knowwhat to order more of andwhat needs replacing –whether it’s take-home lasagne, tiramisu, or a range of home- made salads. The all-in-one POS system simplifies the day-to- day, managing everything from inventory, payment processing and e-commerce &digital through to business tools and financial services. Square also offers loans – ensuring sellers are supported through the highs and lows, and allowing loans to be used formore inventory, new equipment, cash flow, or anything else to keep the business moving. “The industry is a fast growing one, and people are relying on technologymore than ever,” adds Tom. “Square gives you your own EXPERT VIEW Square is one piece of software with many elements, and I amalways encouragingmy staff to play aroundwith it as there’s always something new to learn TOM HAYDON TOM’S PASTA