White Castle reduces store security incidents in AI pilot
A legendary fast-food hamburger chain has successfully tested an artificial intelligence solution to improve exterior perimeter security at a high-risk store.
White Castle piloted the AI-equipped Interface Virtual Perimeter Guard exterior security solution at a location in St. Louis that had been experiencing after-hours security challenges, including loitering, open-air drug use, customer pestering in drive-thru lanes and repeated vandalism that cost thousands of dollars per incident.
Within the first 30 days of deployment, 91% of perimeter security events were resolved automatically through AI detection and live voice deterrence. White Castle also reported a significant reduction in loitering, a reduced need for morning trash clearing, and the elimination of previous weekly late-night escalation calls.
The restaurant chain also observed improved employee morale, a stronger sense of safety, and increased customer comfort while waiting in late-night drive-thru lines.
"Sometimes we don’t even realize something bad may be happening, and the Interface Security experts are already intervening and telling potential criminals to leave," said Cheryl Soest, district supervisor at White Castle. "That allows our team to focus on serving customers instead of worrying about what’s happening outside."
Virtual Perimeter Guard combines AI-powered detection, escalating voice downs with strobe lighting, and live security professionals who intervene in real time. The system is armed nightly at the White Castle pilot store when exterior visibility is limited.
"What this deployment of Virtual Perimeter Guard demonstrates is the shift from reactive security to proactive prevention," said Steve Womer, senior VP of product at Interface Systems. "By combining AI detection with live human intervention, Virtual Perimeter Guard stops issues before they escalate into property damage, safety incidents, or operational disruption. White Castle’s results show how perimeter intelligence can directly improve safety, reduce cost exposure and give operators peace of mind without adding burden to store teams."
Following these positive early results, White Castle is evaluating full-perimeter coverage at the pilot location and potential expansion to additional restaurants with similar challenges.
Tire and automotive services retailer Big Brand Tire & Service has also deployed the Interface Virtual Perimeter Guard solution at one high-risk store, significantly reducing trespassing and vandalism at the location.
[READ MORE: AI security eliminates store break-ins for Big Brand Tire & Service]
Following deployment at the site, Big Brand Tire says break-ins stopped entirely after installation and monitoring reports showed a significant decline in trespassing and loitering as repeat offenders stopped returning. Ninety-one percent of events were resolved through automated deterrence without human intervention, and overall security activations were reduced by 65% within weeks.
