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How White Castle balances innovation and tradition in restaurant branding

Brand loyalists came up with the phrase, "They're so good, they'll slide down your throat."

December 19, 2014 by Nate Riggs — CEO / Owner, NR Media Group

Burgers. You love them. I love them. We all love them. There are over 50,000 burger joints in the US and Americans consume 14 billion burgers per year. In total, the burger market is a $73 billion per year business. This week's guest is not only an accomplished executive in the industry, but she hails from the family that started it all, over 90 years ago. She stopped by to give us the story of her company and discuss how they approach balancing tradition vs. innovation in restaurant branding.

In episode #057 of the Social Restaurant Podcast, I welcome Lisa Ingram, president and COO of White Castle, one of America's most iconic restaurant brands. Lisa is a 4th generation family member of co-founder Edgar Waldo "Billy" Ingram. Lisa earned her Masters in Operations and Consulting from The Ohio State University in 2000, began working for White Castle shortly after and was promoted to president last year. 

What you'll learn during the interview

• The history and importance of White Castle
• What it was like growing up in the White Castle family
• How White Castle balances innovation and tradition in restaurant branding
• Their recent product development efforts
• The implementation of new technologies to enhance the customer experience
• How customer input/listening has influenced the brand
• The story behind Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle

Listen to the Podcast

About Nate Riggs

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