White Castle debuts tech-enabled store prototype in Ohio
A legendary fast-food hamburger chain is introducing a new connected store model it calls the "Castle of Tomorrow."
White Castle is launching its new store design with a location near downtown Columbus, Ohio, the city where the retailer has its corporate headquarters. The interior of the restaurant features a bright and welcoming dining room with higher ceilings, vibrant colors and a sleek, open layout.
Meanwhile, the exterior design offers classic White Castle architecture complemented by sleek new accents and lighting designed to give the building a fresh, contemporary feel. The restaurant exterior also features first-of-its-kind brand sign that reads "White Castle" by day and transforms to "Night Castle" after dark.
White Castle kitchen upgrade includes robotic help
In addition, the “Castle of Tomorrow” prototype features a new kitchen design emphasizing efficiency, comfort and ergonomics. The revamped kitchen includes enhanced back-of-house layouts, streamlined prep zones and upgraded break spaces.
The new kitchen design also features the latest in restaurant technology, including the newest version of the Miso Robotics Flippy robotic fry station assistant, which White Castle initially deployed in 100 stores in 2022 after a 2020 pilot, and has also been piloted by Jack in the Box.
[READ MORE: White Castle in kitchen robot pilot]
Tech streamlines customer ordering
The new store design also provides customers with several solutions designed to ease the process of ordering, paying for and picking up food. These include Julia, White Castle's AI-powered drive-thru ordering system named for employee Julia Joyce.
A human employee is always available to step in to assist whenever needed. The double drive-thru also includes hospitality doors that allow associates to personally deliver meals to customers in their cars.
Inside, self-service kiosks give customers another tech-enabled way to order. And a new dedicated mobile order pickup window serves customers who order ahead through the White Castle rewards app.
"This new Castle reflects the best of who we are — passionate about innovation, hospitality and our people," said Jamie Richardson, VP at White Castle. "Every detail, from the kitchen layout to the mobile ordering experience, was thoughtfully designed to help our team members shine and to make every Craver's visit more enjoyable and efficient."
White Castle worked with central Ohio-based WD Partners to reimagine its customer experience and develop the prototype.
White Castle, America's first fast-food hamburger chain, opened in 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business owns and operates more than 350 restaurants as well as a retail division providing frozen hamburgers in retail stores nationwide.
