Technology

White Castle ups the ante for newly introduced app users

White Castle

January 6, 2021

White Castle is upping the stakes on its recently introduced loyalty program, Craver Nation, offering new and existing members 20% off all orders placed through the September 2020-launched app, a news release said.

"Introducing Craver Nation in 2020 was a way for us to thank our lifelong Cravers and to invite new and future friends to give the Castle a try," Jamie Richardson, White Castle vice president, said in the release. "It's an entirely free program, and we've been able to provide tremendous value to Craver Nation members with exclusive discounts and special offers, like this 20% off deal."

Anyone who enrolls in Craver Nation receives an offer for a free combo meal, a promotion that will continue for a limited time. This past year, members have been treated to free chicken rings and "free fry Fridays," as well as discounts and BOGO offers on new menu items, among other deals.

The 20% in-app offer coincides with the brand's so-called comfort food promotion that includes LTO menu additions of Sloppy Joe Sliders and Mac & Cheese Nibblers through Valentine's Day, which is, of course, another big event for the brand. It's also added a brand-new menu item, the Smoky Joe Slider, which is White Castle's Sloppy Joe Slider topped with smoked cheddar cheese and crispy onions.

White Castle had intended to launch its loyalty program later in 2020, but moved that up to Sept.1 in response to the need for more contactless ordering with the pandemic. In fact, an informal brand survey showed that 80% of respondents said they would visit the QSR more often if they had access to exclusive discounts within the White Castle app, motivating leadership to move up the app rollout.

Since then, participation in Craver Nation has exceeded White Castle's expectations for the program. White Castle is based in Columbus, Ohio and has more than 360 restaurants nationally, as well as an extensive retail grocery arm.