Square 50 is back for its second year, honoring the most impactful businesses of 2024 that have achieved significant milestones in their operations. After receiving over a thousand submissions from around the world, 50 standout businesses have been selected to join the ranks of the year’s best.
These businesses were recognized for their leadership in the following categories:
- Innovation: Delivering unique offerings, operational excellence, and fresh perspectives.
- Growth: Expanding locations, revenue, and market reach.
- Community: Championing local connections, diversity, inclusivity, and integrity.
- Experience: Providing exceptional customer service and memorable experiences.
- Sustainability: Embracing greener practices and fostering a positive culture.
You can discover all of the 2024 Square 50 businesses here.
We’re proud to share that several Square Community members are among the Square 50 honorees. We caught up with them to learn how it feels to be recognized, their biggest achievements in 2024, and what they have planned for 2025.
Kendra Wright, Historic Red Rooster | Hillsboro,IL, USA
Square 50 Category: Innovation
How do you feel about being recognized in the Innovation category?
We really love being recognized and are so thankful. We do feel that we are quite innovative - the way we do things, the products we use, and the way we run our business. We have looked beyond “the way it is always done” and have hammered out the way that makes the most sense for us. Sometimes that “sense” is just logic or ease, sometimes it is financial sense, sometimes it is just invoking the emotion we want folks to feel when they walk inside. Our business is unique and so are we!
What advice would you give to a new business owner in your industry?
I think the best advice I could give a new business is you have to create what customers want with your flair and signature, not what you think they should want. I know so many small businesses that have created exactly what they want, not what their customer base wants. That does not work at all and won’t yield the results you want and need. This is especially common with breweries - owners that are the brewer brew their favorite beers and that doesn't translate into beers people want to spend money on.
What was your biggest accomplishment in 2024?
One of our biggest accomplishments in 2024 was beginning to distribute our beer. Our first customer started selling our beer in their bar Memorial Day weekend and after just four months we are in 32 different shops and bars already! Our goal is a much higher number than that, but we are off to a great start.
What's one thing you'd like to achieve for your business in 2025?
In addition to growing our beer distribution and extending our hotel client list, our next goal is to start filling barrels with whiskey! We have barrels in stock and more on order and will be firing up our still and filling those barrels early in 2025!
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About Historic Red Rooster @historicredroos Located in Hillsboro,Illinois, the Historic Red Rooster Inn welcomes all travellers, wayfarers, and refined persons with uncommon lodging, food, beer, and spirits. https://www.historicredrooster.com/ |
Jamie Randolph, Steel N’ Ink | Collingwood, Ontario, CA
Square 50 Category: Growth
How do you feel about being recognized in the Growth category?
Growing a business takes time and it's a team effort to build a trustworthy brand. In an industry that often doesn't receive business recognition, we're very grateful.
What advice would you give to a new business owner in your industry?
Find your niche, be consistent and have fun!
What was your biggest accomplishment in 2024?
We recently opened our 16th location in Montreal’s new “Royalmount” shopping centre . This a special milestone as it is our first location in Quebec and Montreal is my hometown.
What's one thing you'd like to achieve for your business in 2025?
In 2025, we hope to continue growing our reach into new communities across Canada. We hope to continue breaking traditional studio dynamics while providing high quality customer experiences.
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About Steel N’ Ink @SNI Steel N Ink is a leading Canadian tattoo and piercing studio offering award-winning artists, high-quality body jewelry, and their own aftercare products. |
Charles Hannes, Julo-Paris | Paris, France
Square 50 Category: Sustainability
How do you feel about being recognized in the Sustainability category?
It's an incredible honor to be recognized, and to receive this award in the Sustainability category is a true milestone for us in how we approach our business. Focusing on seasonality and educating our customers in this regard allows us to highlight an ecological mindset without feeling limited. We can offer high-quality products year-round without needing to import fruit from faraway places. We prioritize local production whenever possible.
Moreover, we are rethinking the role of sugar, which was once heavily used for preservation, like alcohol. For us, it's essential to reduce sugar and reshape the perception of our craft. Yes, sugar still plays a part, but it should be used wisely, for everyone’s well-being.
What advice would you give to a new business owner in your industry?Stay true to your dreams and convictions, no matter the outside opinions. What really matters are the opinions of your customers. This journey demands a lot of investment across many areas, so staying grounded and committed to your values is crucial. Another key factor is the location of your business—ensure it aligns with the products you offer and the values you want to share with your customers.
What was your biggest accomplishment in 2024?
Without a doubt, opening our shop. It was the culmination of a year’s worth of work, from navigating administrative processes to research, construction, and finally establishing a routine for production and sales.
What's one thing you'd like to achieve for your business in 2025?
We’d love to become a go-to destination in East Paris for our unique approach to pastry. For us, having embraced a new path with pride—since today’s world offers so many opportunities—achieving that would be a true success.
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About Julo- Paris @juloparis Julo Paris is a French pastry shop offering handcrafted, artisanal pastries and desserts with a modern twist, rooted in traditional French baking techniques. |
Alexx McKendry, 17 Grams | Lancing, East Sussex, UK
Square 50 Category: Innovation
How do you feel about being recognized in the Innovation category?
Being recognised in the Square 50 awards Innovation category is a meaningful moment for us at 17 Grams. We’re grateful for the acknowledgment, as it reflects our ongoing efforts to bring quality and creativity to what we do in the industry. This recognition inspires us to keep doing things our way and not follow the trends, ensuring we serve our customers with the best we can offer in our own way. It’s a great reminder of the support we’ve received from our community, and we look forward to continuing our journey together.
What advice would you give to a new business owner in your industry?
Look at what your competitors are doing, but don’t feel the need to follow suit. Customers value conviction, and trying to replicate another business means you’ll always be a step behind. If you do things your own way and believe in what you offer, your customers will find you and invest in your vision.
What was your biggest accomplishment in 2024?
We opened our largest and most ambitious store, applying everything we’ve learned since our first in 2016—the good and the bad—to create our best customer experience yet. Moving beyond our home of Brighton & Hove, we set our sights on Chichester, an area we saw as needing a quality specialty coffee roaster and a banging brunch spot.
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What's one thing you'd like to achieve for your business in 2025?
Maybe another location or two? 😉 But our main focus is on strengthening our relationships with our amazing coffee producer partners. Since we began roasting our own coffee in 2022, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of the journey coffee takes and the immense effort producers invest in nurturing and growing the exceptional beans we roast and serve. We’ve established direct trade relationships with two producers and continue to collaborate with other outstanding producers, purchasing their incredible coffees each harvest.
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About 17 Grams @alexx 17 Grams are suppliers of coffee, brunch & good vibes across Sussex, UK. |
Abbey Sheppard, Simply Stunnin’ Hair and Beauty | Ascot Vale, Victoria, Australia
Square 50 Category: Community
How do you feel about being recognized in the Community category?
Oh, I'm just waltzing on cloud nine! Being recognised in the Community category feels like winning a trophy made of sunshine and smiles. It's such a heartwarming acknowledgment that we're spreading joy and making a difference in our wonderful community. It's like being part of a big family where everyone cheers each other on. I’m just so grateful and excited to keep contributing all the good vibes!
What advice would you give to a new business owner in your industry?
Welcome to the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship—it's thrilling, challenging, and oh-so-rewarding! My advice is to lead with heart and passion. Make sure you’re doing something that makes you jump out of bed with excitement every day. Foster meaningful relationships and always be ready to learn from everyone around you. Creativity is your superpower—embrace it! And of course, don’t forget to celebrate even the small wins because they lead to big ones.
What was your biggest accomplishment in 2024?
2024 was nothing short of spectacular! Among many highlights and awards, my biggest accomplishment was embarking on an incredible journey to Cambodia with Hair Aid. There, I had the privilege to teach a valuable skill and witness firsthand how it transformed lives. The joy and empowerment that came with learning something new were simply heartening. Seeing the twinkle in their eyes and knowing I played a small part in their journey was a humbling and magical experience. It was a reminder of the true impact of sharing knowledge and uplifting others.
What's one thing you'd like to achieve for your business in 2025?
In 2025, I'm aiming for the stars! My goal is to scale up Hair Aid’s community cuts program while also diving into exciting new projects. I’d love to integrate more innovative technology to enhance our services and make them even more accessible to everyone. Creating avenues for ongoing community engagement and empowerment activities is at the top of the list. We’re all about fostering lasting positive change and ensuring that everyone has the tools they need to create a brighter future. Here’s to making 2025 the year of extraordinary adventures and impactful achievements! 🌈✨
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About Simply Stunnin’ Hair and Beauty @Simplystunnin01 Simply Stunnin’ is a relaxed salon in Ascot Vale, Australia, specializing in providing great experiences, exceptional customer service, and value for money. |
Jodie Viccars, Pasta’bah | Murwillumbah, New South Wales, Australia
Square 50 Category: Sustainability
How do you feel about being recognized in the Sustainability category?
Sustainability, land, and ecosystem regeneration is at the heart of our business and as such to be recognised in the sustainability category means the world to us. We are passionate advocates of regenerative farming for healthier food production. Without changes to current unsustainable agricultural practices across the globe, 90% of the world's topsoil is at risk by 2050. We truly thank Square 50 for recognising our business and helping to communicate the changes needed to protect our planet for future generations.
What advice would you give to a new business owner in your industry?
Build a business that can adapt to market changes, world, and local events, and allow it to fluidly develop within the opportunities available. Position yourself to effectively navigate challenges that will inevitably present themselves. Communicate a story that your customers can passionately engage with. Committing to a healthy future for our planet and future generations has been vital to our success
What was your biggest accomplishment in 2024?
Aside from being recognised by Square 50, this year we have purchased and are currently fitting out a brand-new facility, aptly name “La Cucina” (the kitchen), to seriously expand our sustainable food production business
What's one thing you'd like to achieve for your business in 2025?
In 2025, with La Cucina up and running we intend to expand the distribution of our delicious, sustainable, Italian inspired foods to Sydney and Melbourne. 2025 is going to be a significant year in our journey! Watch this space😊
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About Pasta'bah @WVF Pasta'bah Pasta creates artisanal pasta using sustainable ingredients like pasture-raised eggs and locally sourced Australian semolina, blending tradition with eco-conscious practices to deliver exceptional flavor, texture, and quality |
Ross Franklin + Michael Cecchini, Pure Green Franchise | Sunrise, Florida, USA
Square 50 Category: Growth
How do you feel about being recognized in the Growth category?
We are honored and grateful to be recognized. Our mission to build healthier communities around the globe by connecting people with superfoods takes a significant step forward with every new store we open. This recognition is a testament to our passionate franchise partners who embody our mission, driving both our growth and continued success.
What advice would you give to a new business owner in your industry?
My advice is to focus on building a strong team and culture. At Pure Green, our franchise partners’ passion for health and wellness is reflected in their hiring of team members who share that same enthusiasm. This directly enhances the guest experience, as team members actively educate guests on the benefits of our products. By awarding franchises to those who align with our mission and values, sustainable growth becomes a natural outcome.
What was your biggest accomplishment in 2024?
In 2024, we averaged three new store openings per month, significantly expanding our presence across the U.S. We also welcomed a record number of franchise partners to the Pure Green family and were proud recipients of the prestigious Inc. 5000 award, marking a milestone in our growth journey.
What's one thing you'd like to achieve for your business in 2025?
In 2025, we aim to surpass 100 open locations while achieving a record-high Average Unit Volume (AUV), continuing to strengthen our footprint and furthering our mission of bringing superfoods to communities nationwide.
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About Pure Green Franchise @michaelcecchini Pure Green Franchise one of the fastest-growing juice bar franchises in the United States, supporting all franchisees with the entire lifecycle of opening their Pure Green Juice Bar franchise. |
Shout out to all of the Square Community Members in this year's Square 50!
It’s thrilling to see Community members being recognized in the 2024 Square 50 as the leaders in their industries.
The Square 50 Community Members: 🎉
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Community Profile |
Business Name |
Contact Name |
Category |
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Abbey Sheppard |
Community |
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Sue Stagg |
Experience |
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Jamie Randolph |
Growth |
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Ross Franklin, Michael Cecchini |
Growth |
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Alexx McKendry |
Innovation |
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Kendra Wright |
Innovation |
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Jodie Viccars |
Sustainability |
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Charles Hannes |
Sustainability |
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Paul Ganieany |
Sustainability |
Congratulations to all 2024 Square 50 businesses!
SUPPORT LOCAL. BUILD COMMUNITY.
Hailey is the Seller Community marketing manager at Square. She promotes the Seller Community and also partners with Square teams to bring awareness of new programs, products, and features