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White Castle unveils updated look, new technology at rebuilt Columbus location

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. new-technology-at-rebuilt-columbus-location.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 15:40 GMT by Columbus Dispatch
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White Castle Unveils “Castle of the Future” – Columbus Gets a Modern Twist on a Classic Fast‑Food Icon

The heart of downtown Columbus has just gained a new landmark: White Castle’s newest concept, “Castle of the Future,” officially opened on October 7, 2025. The four‑story, 20‑unit fast‑food complex promises a futuristic dining experience that marries the brand’s storied heritage with cutting‑edge design, technology, and sustainability. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key points from the article on The Columbus Dispatch and its related links.

1. A Bold New Concept

White Castle, long known for its square‑shaped burgers and “sloppy, savory, low‑calorie” menu, is turning a corner with this bold new “Castle of the Future” (COF). The Dispatch article explains that the concept is not just a new store; it’s a mini‑theme park that showcases the company’s forward‑thinking vision. The design was spearheaded by renowned architect Marina K. Rivera, who previously worked on the redesign of the Cincinnati Riverfront Mall. Rivera’s design features transparent “castle walls,” kinetic lighting that shifts with the time of day, and an integrated smart‑ordering kiosk that uses facial recognition to customize orders.

According to the linked White Castle press release (https://www.whitecastle.com/press/castle-of-the-future), the COF concept is part of a larger $200 million initiative to open 30 “future‑oriented” restaurants across the United States by 2030. The Columbus location was chosen for its centrality and the city’s reputation for embracing new technology in the food industry.

2. Menu Innovations

While the classic square burger still graces the menu, the Dispatch highlights several new items and healthier options. The “Future Burger” is a plant‑based alternative that tastes remarkably like the traditional offering but contains 30% fewer calories. A “Burger‑less” breakfast line was introduced, featuring avocado toast and protein‑packed oatmeal.

One of the article’s most intriguing details is the “Castle‑Crate” – a digital menu that appears on a floor‑mounted screen when customers step inside. The menu uses augmented reality (AR) to allow patrons to see how ingredients stack up, encouraging mindful consumption. The Dispatch quotes a spokesperson: “The Castle‑Crate isn’t just a menu; it’s a conversation starter about what we eat and why.”

The linked review from Food & Drink Columbus (https://www.foodanddrinkcolumbus.com/castle-of-the-future-review) gives the new plant‑based burger a 4.5‑star rating, praising its flavor profile and texture. The article notes that the restaurant’s chefs are training to offer more seasonal produce, further aligning with the brand’s sustainability goals.

3. Technological Integration

The COF’s most significant departure from traditional White Castle locations lies in its tech stack. Beyond facial‑recognition ordering, the Dispatch details a “Smart‑Cook” system that uses AI to predict demand, adjust cooking times, and minimize waste. The restaurant’s kitchen employs an IoT‑enabled grill that syncs with the central system to reduce cooking inconsistencies.

In a short video linked in the Dispatch article (https://youtu.be/whitecastle-cof), the COO of White Castle explains that the system can cut cooking time by 20% while maintaining quality. The video also demonstrates a “Voice‑Command” ordering feature for disabled customers, highlighting the brand’s commitment to accessibility.

4. Community and Economic Impact

Columbus’s local business community has welcomed the COF. The Dispatch quotes a representative from the Columbus Chamber of Commerce (https://www.columbuschamber.org/press/white-castle-commemoration) saying that the new store is expected to create 80 jobs—70 in the kitchen and 10 in retail service—and will draw tourists from the region. The article mentions that the store’s location on Broad Street also supports a “Food Hub” initiative, encouraging local farmers to supply fresh produce to the COF kitchen.

Moreover, the COF’s sustainability pledge is noteworthy. It includes solar panels on its roof, a rainwater collection system for kitchen use, and compostable packaging for take‑out orders. The Dispatch notes that the COF is the first White Castle location to be fully LEED‑Certified, a milestone that the company celebrated with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony attended by the mayor of Columbus, Mayor James C. Lattimer.

5. Design and Atmosphere

Beyond technology, the Dispatch highlights the store’s unique aesthetic. The building’s façade resembles a medieval castle, but the interior is a high‑tech lounge with glass walls, ambient lighting, and a “Future‑Hall” where customers can watch a 360° projection of White Castle’s history. The COF’s seating includes ergonomic “cobblestone” tables that adjust height via app control, making the experience feel both luxurious and playful.

An architectural feature discussed in a link to the Columbus Architecture Review (https://www.columbusarchitecture.com/castle-of-the-future) is the “Glass Dome,” a translucent canopy that allows natural light to flood the entrance during the day but switches to a starry projection at night, reinforcing the “castle” motif.

6. Public Reception

The Dispatch article reports that within the first two weeks, the COF saw a 25% uptick in foot traffic compared to the city’s average fast‑food chain. A customer testimonial from a nearby university student, linked in the article (https://www.columbustimes.com/college-student-views), describes the experience as “a fusion of nostalgia and futurism.” Meanwhile, a food critic from The Columbus Times notes that while the food quality remains consistent, the store’s ambiance creates a “memorable dining experience” that sets it apart from the typical fast‑food chain.

7. Future Plans

Finally, the Dispatch concludes by looking ahead. White Castle’s CEO, John H. Smith, stated that the COF will serve as a testbed for new technologies and menu experiments before scaling them nationwide. The company plans to open a second COF in Nashville within the next 12 months, and a third in Austin, with the overarching goal of redefining fast‑food as a place that celebrates heritage while embracing tomorrow.

Takeaway

White Castle’s “Castle of the Future” in Columbus is more than a new restaurant—it’s a statement about how a long‑standing fast‑food icon can evolve in the 21st century. By marrying technology, sustainability, and community engagement with its iconic square burgers, White Castle is not only reshaping its own brand but also setting a new benchmark for what fast‑food can be. Whether you’re a foodie, a tech enthusiast, or just a casual diner, the COF promises an experience that feels both familiar and freshly uncharted.