Squadle

Squadle operates as a technology company focused on workflow automation for multi-unit operators in sectors such as restaurants, convenience stores, and grocery stores. The company was founded by Le Zhang, who serves as the CEO and has a background in building scalable technology platforms. His experience in technology and enterprise sales contributed to the company's direction. Since its inception, Squadle has targeted the operational complexities and food safety compliance challenges faced by franchise locations.

The company's business model is centered on providing a subscription-based, integrated suite of digital products that replace traditional paper-based logging and manual checks. Revenue is generated by offering these tools to multi-unit businesses, including major brands like McDonald's, Dunkin' Brands, Chick-fil-A, and Sonic Drive-In. Squadle's platform is designed to digitize back-of-house operations, thereby streamlining tasks, simplifying food safety protocols, and enhancing overall compliance. Significant milestones include securing a $3 million funding round in 2018 and a Series A financing round in 2020, which fueled product investment and customer success initiatives. By September 2020, the company reported substantial growth, including a 700% year-over-year increase in annual recurring revenue and a sixfold expansion of its workforce.

Squadle's core product offering is a comprehensive back-of-house platform featuring Digital Checklists, automated temperature monitoring, and shift management tools. Its patented ZeroTouch™ technology uses wireless sensors and a handheld probe to automate food and equipment temperature checks, which is reported to be 83% faster than manual methods. The system includes 24/7 remote temperature monitoring for equipment like freezers and refrigerators, sending real-time alerts via SMS if temperatures go out of range to prevent inventory loss. Digital checklists are customizable for various operational tasks, from opening and closing procedures to safety checks, with all data accessible through a real-time dashboard, mobile app, and daily email reports. This digital transformation aims to reduce health violations, save labor hours, and provide managers with transparent data for better operational decisions.

Keywords: food safety compliance, restaurant operations, workflow automation, digital checklists, temperature monitoring, back-of-house platform, multi-unit operators, IoT sensors, franchise technology, operational efficiency