October 20, 2025
White Castle has debuted its "Castle of Tomorrow" in Columbus, Ohio. The brand worked with central Ohio-based WD Partners to reimagine the customer experience and bring every detail to life in the prototype. The new Castle is located near downtown Columbus at a site that's served generations of Cravers for 40 years, according to a press release.
"This new Castle reflects the best of who we are — passionate about innovation, hospitality and our people," Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle, said in the 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 restaurant features a dining room with higher ceilings, vibrant colors and a sleek, open layout, a nod to the brand's heritage while reflecting its contemporary energy.
A dedicated mobile order pickup window provides a faster, smoother experience for guests who order ahead through the Craver Nation Rewards app, while keeping the front counter clear for walk-in customers. The double drive-thru now includes hospitality doors that allow team members to personally deliver meals to guests in their cars, part of White Castle's continued commitment to efficiency and customer service.
Behind the counter, the kitchen design emphasizes efficiency, comfort and ergonomics, creating a more inviting and functional environment for team members. Enhanced back-of-house layouts, streamlined prep zones and upgraded break spaces are included as well.
The prototype features the latest in restaurant technology, including the newest version of Flippy, the robotic fry station assistant, and Julia, White Castle's AI-powered drive-thru ordering system named for beloved team member Julia Joyce.
At the top of it all shines a first-of-its-kind brand sign that reads "White Castle" by day and transforms to "Night Castle" after dark, a bold expression of the company's renowned late-night identity and its mission to serve Cravers around the clock.
"'The Castle of Tomorrow' celebrates both where we've been and where we're going," Richardson added. "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."
White Castle was founded in 1921 and operates 341 restaurants nationwide.