Interface Systems has announced a successful pilot of its AI-driven security solution, Virtual Perimeter Guard™, at a White Castle restaurant in a high-risk area of St. Louis.
The managed service provider for remote video monitoring and commercial security systems has enabled White Castle to tackle numerous security challenges, resulting in a safer environment for both employees and customers.
Measurable Security Improvements
The pilot program, aimed at mitigating issues such as late-night loitering, drive-thru lane disturbances, and vandalism, showed substantial improvements.
Within just the first 30 days, 91% of perimeter security events were resolved using AI detection and live voice deterrence. This led to a notable decline in loitering, lower instances of vandalism, and a stop to late-night escalation calls, enhancing customer and employee comfort at the restaurant.
AI and Human Intervention
Cheryl Soest, White Castle's District Supervisor, commented, "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. That allows our team to focus on serving customers instead of worrying about what's happening outside."
Interface's technology distinguishes itself from traditional security methods by combining AI-powered detection with real-time human intervention along with on-site elements like powerful strobe lighting.
Proactive Security Measures
The proactive nature of the solution helps prevent issues before they escalate into costly property damage
Steve Womer, Senior Vice President of Product at Interface Systems, explained, "What this deployment of Virtual Perimeter Guard demonstrates is the shift from reactive security to proactive prevention. 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."
The proactive nature of the solution helps prevent issues before they escalate into costly property damage or operational disruptions.
Simplified Installation and Monitoring
The implementation of the Virtual Perimeter Guard was completed seamlessly, without interrupting White Castle's operations. Interface Systems managed the installation, system tuning, and ongoing monitoring. Weekly reports provided to leadership eliminated the need for staff to monitor footage actively.
"We didn’t have to worry about anything," Soest remarked. "They handled installation, testing, and walked us through everything step by step."
Impact Beyond Loss Prevention
Beyond minimizing losses from potential incidents, the security system has bolstered employee morale and improved customer experiences, particularly during late-night hours.
Soest noted, "If customers feel safe coming onto your lot, and team members feel safe working there, it improves your business." Given the positive outcomes of the pilot, White Castle is considering extending full-perimeter coverage at the initial site and potentially expanding the technology to other locations facing similar security challenges.
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 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 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.
