Slider-centric QSR White Castle took another step forward in its tech stack journey last month with the unveiling of a new digital-driven prototype.
In mid-October, the 104-year-old concept announced the opening of its Castle of Tomorrow prototype. Located in its base city of Columbus, Ohio, the design was crafted to appeal to younger generations while implementing efficiencies via technology.
The restaurant is a remodeled unit which had been in operation for 40 years. To assist with drafting the prototype, White Castle partnered with the design services firm WD Partners, a company which has worked with other QSR brands, such as Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s.
To enhance the location itself, the building was structured to have higher ceilings, vibrant colors and a more open layout. To compliment the physical changes, White Castle committed to incorporating technology in front and in back of the house.
Technology streamlines operations
In the kitchen, in addition to an enhanced layout to help streamline prep areas, the brand installed the latest version of Flippy, a robotic fry station assistant. It has also added an AI drive-thru ordering system, titled Julia, for a better flow of orders. In the lobby, meanwhile, ordering kiosks were installed.
A conscious effort was also made by the brand to accommodate online orders and off-premises dining. The prototype features a dedicated mobile ordering pickup window, as well as a double drive-thru space. For the drive-thru section, the unit also added doors nearby to allow employees to bring orders directly to customers.
“The new castle reflects the best of who we are – passionate about innovation, hospitality and our people,” White Castle Vice President Jamie Richardson in a press release. “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. It’s the castle of tomorrow, built with the heart and soul that’s defined us for more than a century.”
The prototype announcement comes just a few months after White Castle began testing a robotic delivery service. Partnering with Coco Robotics, the brand began a trial of delivery through an integration with Uber Eats.
By way of another partnership with the restaurant technology platform Checkmate, which connects White Castle’s in-store system with the Uber Eats program, the concept was able to send out robots with orders. Once the robot would arrive, customers received a notification on their app to meet it outside, unlock the secured lid and retrieve their order.
It’s the latest in a string of tech stack moves for White Castle over the last five years. The brand first utilizing the Flippy robotic assistant in 2020, when it partnered with the developer, Miso. The use of Flippy expanded from one pilot run to 10 stores, and then, in 2022, the brand announced it would be implementing the assistant to 100 locations across the country.
Founded in 1921, White Castle operates 341 units, along with a retail division. Requests for comments from the brand were unsuccessful.
