Pancake Parlour rolls out Square across 13 restaurants in eight days

The Pancake Parlour has selected Square as its unified commerce platform across 13 restaurants, marking a shift in its operational infrastructure following its 60th anniversary. The rollout took place across all locations in eight days and replaced multiple legacy systems with a single integrated platform.

The business, which opened its first site in Adelaide in 1965, now operates across Victoria and continues to serve long-standing and new customers. The latest transition follows a period of digital expansion that introduced multiple systems into its operations.

Steven Babo, Head of Strategy at The Pancake Parlour, said the change was driven by operational limitations. “We’ve always been a place of escape: good food, warm service, and somewhere you can be social and celebrate milestones,” Babo said. “This hasn’t changed in 60 years. What has changed is the technology required to deliver that great experience consistently across our 13 locations. We wanted a platform that could support our growth ambitions without compromising who we are, and Square is the partner who can deliver on this.”

Unified platform replaces fragmented systems

The Pancake Parlour identified gaps in its existing systems as it expanded its digital capabilities. Over time, layered tools created inconsistencies in reporting and increased complexity for staff.

“We had built up a fractured tech stack,” Babo said. “Our systems weren’t talking to each other, reporting was limited, and it created unnecessary friction for our teams. As we looked ahead, we realised we didn’t just need incremental fixes to meet our goals. We needed to fully reset our foundation.”

The transition introduced a consolidated system that includes Square Register, Terminal, iPads and handheld devices for in-store operations. In addition, Square Kitchen Display System supports communication between front and back-of-house teams. Centralised reporting now provides real-time visibility across all locations.

As a result, training time for point-of-sale systems has decreased from two hours to 45 minutes. The business reported improvements in onboarding efficiency, service flow and staff allocation during peak periods. Furthermore, the system supports operational adjustments based on live data, which enables more consistent service delivery.

David Schnabl, Head of Account Management at Square Australia, said the partnership aligns with the company’s focus on multi-location hospitality operators. “Established brands like The Pancake Parlour require more than a point-of-sale. They need scalable infrastructure, advanced reporting, and an integrated ecosystem that brings everything together,” Schnabl said. “Square provides the ease of use, insights, and operational control that multi-location restaurants depend on, while remaining intuitive for frontline teams.”

The rollout reflects a broader operational reset aimed at supporting future expansion. While the business maintains its existing service model, the updated system introduces a centralised framework for decision-making and reporting.

“We’re proud of our history, but we’re equally focused on what’s next,” Babo said. “Square gives us the confidence to grow, innovate, and evolve without ever losing the heart of what makes The Pancake Parlour special. We look forward to all that’s next for the brand, and to make more memorable experiences happen with Square.”