AI and robots go to White Castle in new Ohio prototype restaurant

White Castle has unveiled its “Castle of Tomorrow” prototype restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, featuring AI-powered drive-thru assistance, robotic fry stations, and redesigned dining spaces that blend automation with hospitality. The 104-year-old burger chain’s tech-forward approach reflects a broader industry shift toward balancing digital efficiency with enhanced on-premise experiences as consumer spending returns to in-restaurant dining.

What you should know: The new prototype incorporates several cutting-edge technologies designed to improve both customer experience and operational efficiency.

• The restaurant features Julia, an AI-powered drive-thru voice assistant named after a long-time team member, and the latest generation of Flippy, a robotic fry station assistant developed by Miso Robotics, a kitchen automation company.
• A double drive-thru design includes “hospitality doors” that allow team members to deliver orders directly to cars, similar to Chick-fil-A’s approach.
• Self-service kiosks handle front-of-house ordering while a dedicated mobile order pickup window keeps digital orders flowing smoothly.

The big picture: White Castle’s modernization effort comes as restaurants across categories are reimagining their physical spaces to compete for consumers seeking “holistic value” that combines food quality, service, and experience.

• According to Technomic, a foodservice research firm, consumer spending has shifted toward on-premise dining in 2025, moving away from the pandemic-era focus on drive-thru and delivery.
• More than 40 percent of quick-service restaurant operators plan to increase investments in AI or robotics in 2025 to address labor shortages and improve throughput, according to Deloitte research.

Design innovations: The Castle of Tomorrow features a complete visual and functional overhaul while preserving White Castle’s iconic castle aesthetic.

• The interior includes higher ceilings, bright lighting, and a spacious, open layout designed to make both guests and employees more comfortable.
• The exterior retains the brand’s castle design but adds modern materials, accents, and lighting, including adaptive signage that transitions from “White Castle” during the day to “Night Castle” after dark.
• Kitchen layouts have been redesigned to improve workflow and ergonomics for team members, part of the chain’s effort to optimize labor efficiency and workplace satisfaction.

Who else is involved: The prototype was developed in partnership with WD Partners, a design and architecture firm, and represents White Castle’s first major design evolution for its 341 restaurants across 14 states.

What they’re saying: White Castle executives emphasize the human-centered approach behind the technology integration.

• “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,” said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle.

Competitive landscape: White Castle joins other major chains experimenting with next-generation restaurant designs and automation.

• Cava began redesigning dining rooms in 2024 to align with its Mediterranean ethos, while Subway and Taco Bell have rolled out prototypes emphasizing open kitchens and natural materials.
• Chains including Panera, McDonald’s, Carl’s Jr., Wendy’s, and Hardee’s have tested AI ordering systems and kitchen robots for various functions.
• Chipotle’s Chipotlane Digital Kitchens and Taco Bell’s “Defy” concept in Minnesota demonstrate how restaurants are optimizing physical spaces for higher off-premise volumes.