Interface Systems, a provider of managed services including remote video monitoring and commercial security solutions, recently concluded a successful pilot of its Virtual Perimeter Guard™ system with fast-food chain White Castle.
The trial was conducted at a high-risk restaurant in St. Louis and aimed to enhance security through the use of AI technology.
Significant reductions in security issues
The pilot initiative demonstrated established reductions in loitering and security incidents during late hours while enhancing overall safety for both employees and customers.
White Castle’s concern for this specific location arose due to its history of after-hours security challenges, such as loitering, open-air drug use, disturbances in drive-thru lanes, and recurrent vandalism costing thousands in damage per occurrence.
Enhanced customer experience
White Castle noted an improvement in employee morale and a more comforting environment
Within the first month of implementation, 91% of perimeter security issues were resolved through AI-driven detection and live voice deterrence, minimizing loitering and eliminating the need for frequent escalation calls. As a result, White Castle noted an improvement in employee morale and a more comforting environment for customers waiting in drive-thru lines.
“Sometimes we don’t even realise something bad may be happening, and the Interface Security experts are already intervening and telling potential criminals to leave,” said Cheryl Soest, District Supervisor at White Castle. “That allows our team to focus on serving customers instead of worrying about what’s happening outside.”
Advanced security measures
Distinguishing itself from traditional security cameras and prerecorded warning systems, Virtual Perimeter Guard combines AI-powered detection and live interventions with escalating voice downs and strobe lights, enhancing its deterrent capability. The security system is activated nightly, addressing diminished exterior visibility.
“People don’t take prerecorded messages seriously,” Soest added. “When the lights come on, and a live person speaks, they move. They don’t wait around.”
Cost-effective security enhancement
Steve Womer, Senior Vice President of Product at Interface Systems, remarked on the positive shift towards proactive security. “What this deployment of Virtual Perimeter Guard demonstrates is the shift from reactive security to proactive prevention,” he explained. The system merges AI detection with live human intervention, curtailing potential issues before they evolve into more severe incidents.
Detailed weekly reports from Interface Systems streamlined management insight, negating the necessity for on-site staff engagement in monitoring footage, explained Soest. “They handled installation, testing, and walked us through everything step by step. The whole process was very easy.”
Beyond loss prevention
Not only did this initiative improve safety, but it also heightened employee confidence and improved customer experiences, particularly during late-night operations where perceptions of safety are crucial. White Castle is now assessing broader application of this system at the pilot location and other venues facing similar challenges.
“If customers feel safe coming onto your lot, and team members feel safe working there, it improves your business,” Soest noted, highlighting the broader implications of enhanced security on business operations.
Interface Systems, a managed service provider delivering remote video monitoring, commercial security systems, business intelligence, and network services for multi-location enterprises, announces that the fast-food hamburger chain, White Castle, has successfully piloted Interface's AI-powered exterior security solution - Virtual Perimeter Guard™ at a high-risk St. Louis location.
The pilot delivered measurable reductions in loitering, late-night incidents, and security escalations while improving safety for employees and customers. The pilot focused on a location experiencing after-hours security challenges, including loitering, open-air drug use, customer pestering in drive-thru lanes, and repeated vandalism that cost thousands of dollars per incident.
Increased customer comfort
Within the first 30 days of deployment, 91% of perimeter security events were resolved automatically through AI detection and live voice deterrence. The site saw a significant reduction in loitering, a reduced need for morning trash clearing, and late-night escalation calls dropped from about once a week to none. White Castle also reported improved employee morale, a stronger sense of safety, and increased customer comfort while waiting in late-night drive-thru lines.
“Sometimes we don’t even realise something bad may be happening, and the Interface Security experts are already intervening and telling potential criminals to leave,” said Cheryl Soest, District Supervisor at White Castle. “That allows our team to focus on serving customers instead of worrying about what’s happening outside.”
Pre-recorded warning systems
Unlike traditional exterior cameras or prerecorded warning systems that are often ignored, Virtual Perimeter Guard combines AI-powered detection, escalating voice downs with powerful strobe lighting, and live security professionals who intervene in real time. The White Castle Virtual Perimeter Guard system is armed nightly when exterior visibility is limited.
“People don’t take prerecorded messages seriously,” Soest added. “When the lights come on, and a live person speaks, they move. They don’t wait around.”
Reducing cost exposure
“What this deployment of Virtual Perimeter Guard demonstrates is the shift from reactive security to proactive prevention,” said Steve Womer, Senior Vice President of Product at Interface Systems.
“By combining AI detection with live human intervention, Virtual Perimeter Guard stops issues before they escalate into property damage, safety incidents, or operational disruption. White Castle’s results show how perimeter intelligence can directly improve safety, reduce cost exposure, and give operators peace of mind without adding burden to store teams.”
Actively monitoring footage
Installation and onboarding were completed without disrupting restaurant operations. Interface Systems managed system tuning, testing, and ongoing monitoring, while White Castle leadership received weekly insight reports, eliminating the need for on-site staff to actively monitor footage.
“We didn’t have to worry about anything,” Soest said. “They handled installation, testing, and walked us through everything step by step. The whole process was very easy.”
Beyond loss prevention
Beyond loss prevention, White Castle noted improvements in employee confidence and customer experience, particularly during late-night operations, where perceptions of safety directly affect retention and traffic.
“If customers feel safe coming onto your lot, and team members feel safe working there, it improves your business,” Soest said. Following these positive early results, White Castle is evaluating full-perimeter coverage at the pilot location and potential expansion to additional restaurants with similar challenges.
