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White Castle Unveils the 'Castle of Tomorrow'

White Castle proudly announces the launch of its new prototype restaurant, the "Castle of Tomorrow," located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio. This marks a significant evolution for America’s oldest fast-food hamburger chain, celebrated for its iconic Original Slider®. Designed to combine contemporary aesthetics with technological advancements and enhance hospitality, the restaurant reflects a commitment to delivering an unparalleled dining experience.

The new Castle, crafted in collaboration with the local architectural firm WD Partners, takes a historical site that has served the community for four decades and reimagines it for modern diners. The emphasis is not only on the culinary offerings but also on customer and team member experience. According to Jamie Richardson, Vice President of White Castle, this prototype represents the very essence of the company’s legacy — an unwavering passion for innovation and hospitality.

Design for the Modern Era

Every aspect of the "Castle of Tomorrow" has been thoughtfully designed. Guests stepping into this inviting space will notice taller ceilings, brighter colors, and a more open layout that harkens back to the brand’s heritage while celebrating its contemporary vibrancy. A standout feature is a dedicated mobile order pickup window that allows Cravers who utilize the Craver Nation Rewards® app to enjoy a more expedient service. This innovation ensures that the main counters remain accessible for walk-in guests.

The revamped double drive-thru now includes functionally designed hospitality doors, enabling team members to deliver meals directly to customers in their cars. This enhancement emphasizes White Castle’s pledge to efficient service while retaining a personal touch — crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction.

Prioritizing Employee Well-Being

Behind the scenes, the kitchen redesign is all about efficiency and comfort for team members. New workflows and ergonomic setups create a welcoming atmosphere that promotes productivity. White Castle is proud to foster a workplace culture that has earned it the designation of a certified Great Place to Work® for five straight years. The restaurant features state-of-the-art technology, including Flippy, a robotic fry assistant, and an AI-powered drive-thru ordering system called Julia, named in honor of a beloved team member.

Self-service kiosks within the restaurant will offer added convenience for guests, making ordering more efficient for those who prefer an independent experience. Coupled with the support of friendly human staff, the combination of technology and personal service provides an exceptional dining atmosphere.

Embracing Crave Culture

The exterior of the "Castle of Tomorrow" maintains the classic charm of White Castle while integrating contemporary elements in both architectural design and illumination. A unique feature is the striking sign that transforms from “White Castle” during the day to “Night Castle” at night, symbolizing the beloved late-night service that many Cravers have come to cherish.

With a menu that supports diverse cravings — whether it's breakfast Sliders at dawn or Chicken Rings at midnight — the new restaurant model is designed to cater to customers around the clock.

White Castle's commitment to innovation solidifies its status as one of America’s leading, customer-centric restaurant chains. By incorporating technology and reinventing team spaces and guest relationships, the chain continues to shape the dining experience in ways that are personal, efficient, and enjoyable.

Richardson summarizes the mission of the "Castle of Tomorrow" succinctly: “It’s a place that honors our century-old promise to bring people together over hot, tasty Sliders while introducing new technologies and experiences that keep White Castle as relevant and craveable as ever.”

About White Castle

Founded in 1921, White Castle is recognized as the first fast-food hamburger chain in America. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business operates over 340 restaurants and offers products in retail stores nationwide. With numerous accolades, including recognition by Time magazine as having the "Most Influential Burger of All Time," White Castle continues to boast a passionate following among its Cravers, many of whom strive to enter the esteemed Cravers Hall of Fame each year. To learn more, visit whitecastle.com.