Clover Merchant Customer Testimonial | Alchemy Wine and Beer


January 8, 2024

In the hustle and bustle of operating a small business, adaptability is often the key to success and for one Western New York business, navigating the busy holiday season requires seamless operations and efficient management.

A boutique wine and beer bar in the heart of the Village of Hamburg, NY, Alchemy Wine and Beer has carved a niche for itself by offering a diverse selection of beverages and a cozy ambiance that caters to both casual patrons and those seeking a unique venue for private events.

Established in 2018 by sommeliers Nicole Casell and Anne McIntosh, the Alchemy brand got creative during the COVID-19 pandemic by adding their Buffalo Bubble Bars, a fleet of mobile wine and flower bars serving sparkling wine and cut flowers at private and public events. As the growth of their business continued, the need for a robust point of sale (POS) system that could keep up with the demands of both the regular flow of customers and the intricate logistics of private events became apparent.

Partnering with Northwest Bank to adopt Clover Merchant Services as its POS marked a turning point for the business. Clover’s adaptability allowed for a seamless integration with existing operations and the ability to customize menu items, track inventory in real-time and streamline the ordering process became invaluable tools for the Alchemy brand.

"We can't express how grateful we are for the transformation our business underwent through our partnership with Northwest Bank and adoption of Clover Merchant Services,” noted Alchemy business partner and owner Nicole Casell. Fellow business partner and owner Anne McIntosh added, “The system's customization to our unique needs, from managing our diverse inventory to handling private events, was a game-changer. The real-time insights have empowered us to make informed decisions, and the integration with our online platform has allowed us to expand our reach.”

Beyond operational efficiency, the comprehensive reporting and analytics provided by Clover’s POS system have become critical tools for strategic decision-making. By analyzing sales trends, popular menu items and peak hours, Nicole and Anne can optimize staffing levels, refine offerings and make informed decisions to enhance overall profitability.

And with their continued success, Nicole and Anne are excited to add another exciting element to their Alchemy brand – The Alchemy Shore House, a beachfront event center located on the shores of Lake Erie in Hamburg. The Alchemy Shore House will be a haven for weddings, parties and community gatherings, food and drink festivals, holiday markets and crafting classes, offering a panoramic view of sunset-kissed shores.

Through the holidays and beyond, Alchemy Wine and Beer stands ready to embrace the surge in patrons and private events, confident in the knowledge that its Clover POS system and partnership with Northwest will continue to be reliable allies in its ongoing success story.