Square One Times Three with New City Center Philadelphia Opening

All photos courtesy of Square One Coffee.

Square One Coffee, which has been roasting in small batches in Lancaster, Penn., since 2007, has opened its third coffee shop, and its second in Philadelphia in as many years.

Square One co-owner, licensed Q-grader and accomplished barista trainer Jess Steffy said in an announcement this week that until recently there were no concrete plans to open a second shop in Philadelphia — this one in City Center at 1811 JFK Blvd. — but that the team jumped when an opportunity presented itself.

“Sometimes great, unexpected opportunities come your way,” Steffy said. “Thankfully, my staff is full of talented professionals who are also passionate about making the world a better place. Really, that’s the driving force behind any expansion in our company.”

Square One’s simple, quality-focused menu includes filter coffee brews, plus “espresso + milk” options behind a custom yellow La Marzocco GB5, along with dairy options from Maplehofe Dairy, (Quarryville) and fresh pastries and snacks from the Vegan Commissary (South Philly) and Four Worlds Bakery (West Philly).

Square One baristas have been heavily involved in professional development and in the competition circuit in recent years, while the roastery took home Good Food Awards in 2015, with another coffee in the running for the 2016 awards program.