Interface Systems, a managed service provider delivering remote video monitoring, commercial security systems, business intelligence and network services for multi-location enterprises, announced 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.

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 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 realize something bad may be happening, and the Interface Security experts are already intervening and telling potential criminals to leave,” said Cheryl Soest, district supervisor, White Castle. “That allows our team to focus on serving customers instead of worrying about what’s happening outside.”

Virtual Perimeter Guard combines AI-powered detection, escalating voice downs with 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 said. “When the lights come on, and a live person speaks, they move. They don’t wait around.”

Steve Womer, senior vice president of product, Interface Systems, added, “What this deployment of Virtual Perimeter Guard demonstrates is the shift from reactive security to proactive prevention. 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.”

Beyond loss prevention, White Castle noted improvements in employee confidence and customer experience, particularly during late-night operation.

“If customers feel safe coming onto your lot, and team members feel safe working there, it improves your business,” Soest said.

Following these early results, White Castle is evaluating full-perimeter coverage at the pilot location and potential expansion to additional restaurants with similar challenges.