US quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain The Hat has adopted Square as its unified commerce platform across all its California locations.

Known for its pastrami sandwiches, the chain has rolled out Square’s systems at its 11 restaurants across the state.

The move comes as The Hat prepares to expand beyond its home state for the first time. Its 12th location, opening later this month in Las Vegas, Nevada, will also run on Square’s platform.

The Hat marketing and operations director Jarred Conzonire said: “Choosing Square as our new technology partner was a decision we took seriously and viewed as a long-term move.

“We ran a thorough evaluation, going location by location. What we found was a system that matched how we actually work, instead of one that asked us to change what makes us who we are.

“That's a rare thing. With Square, we’re able to preserve our legacy while innovating for the future."

The Hat is using Square for Restaurants for centralised menu control and unified reporting across its estate. In-store, the chain will leverage Square Register devices with receipt printers and cash drawers for counter service.

It is also deploying Square Marketing to support customer engagement online and build loyalty as it moves into new markets.

Square food and beverage head James Schonzeit said: “Legacy QSR brands don't switch platforms lightly.

“The Hat spent months stress-testing Square against the realities of their business: the volume, the pace, the workflows their staff and customers depend on.

“The fact that they’ve not only deployed Square across all locations – but are also bringing it into new markets – tells you what the results looked like and will continue to unlock."

Last month, Açaí Republic also selected Square’s unified commerce platform for its restaurant network in the US.