Businesses of Taste of Hingham: Square Cafe

Editor's Note: Author Cynthia Rosenfeld is a member of Main Street Media Group  representing the Downtown Business Association and the Taste of Hingham. 

In the next two weeks leading up to , Patch will profile the businesses of Hingham that offer their tasty foods at this family-fun event.

Patty Libby, owner of Square Café, participated in the very first Taste of Hingham. She is pleased to see how far the event has come, and how the sense of community has grown exponentially over the years.  

What do you love about Square Café?

Patty Libby: I love the people; it’s a people business. We provide a positive environment here. I like to take care of people; nurture relationships. I want to make them feel happy and at home.  For us it is all about quality food, quality service and quality atmosphere. I also like to provide a pleasant working environment for my employees.

In a way, the residents of Hingham have taken ownership of Square Café. Over the years we have become woven into the fabric of Hingham, and our customers are faithful and reliable. We love our relationship with them. We are their neighborhood restaurant.

What do you find interesting about running the restaurant?

Patty Libby: I think the most interesting part is the journey we have made to get where we are today. We started here when Downtown Hingham was the only game in town. It was before Derby St. and before the Shipyard. The restaurants in Downtown Hingham were the only restaurants around. Over the years, there have been hurdles. I can remember seeing huge piles of dirt outside our restaurant when they were building the train, and just wondering how we would continue to be successful. I think in a restaurant, or any small business, you are constantly overcoming obstacles, but it is all worth it as your business grows.

How do you stay viable in the face of these obstacles?

Patty Libby: First and foremost, you stay focused on what you are doing, and what you do well. Don’t get caught up in what everyone else is doing. And don’t let unfortunate circumstances deter you from doing what you know is right for your business. You need to stay focused on your mission, which for us, again, is bringing people together for quality food and quality service in a quality atmosphere.

Is there  any particular message that you would like to share with the community?

Patty Libby: I mentioned the strong relationship we have with our regulars.  In addition to that, we want to welcome all new customers to Square Café! Please come give us a try – let us make you happy. We’d love to know your name.  

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