White Castle: From Top-Down Memos to an Authentic Digital Community
White Castle found a digital home as "soulful and nourishing" as their food, empowering more than 9,000 team members to move beyond top-down memos and build an authentic, connected community.
9,000
team members connected across 330+ locations
100%
alignment with family culture values
Centralized
culture, operations, and hiring in one app
For over a century, White Castle has done more than just serve iconic sliders – it has cultivated a legendary, genuine family culture within a business that is still run by a family.
This warmth and closeness define who they are. But maintaining these feelings across more than 9,000 people and more than 330 locations? That's where things got complicated.
The heart was there. The infrastructure? Not so much.
Communication flowed in one direction: downward. No real back-and-forth, no spontaneous conversations, and no way for that authentic vibe to breathe and grow organically.
The disconnect was a growing concern that could have impacted the unique culture of White Castle. They needed to bridge two worlds: the family they wanted to be and the fragmented reality they had become.
“We've always been close, but we didn't always have a way to communicate.” – Jamie Richardson, Chief Marketing Officer
This story is part of the Frontline Road Trip, a series dedicated to celebrating the real voices and authentic cultures of frontline teams across the U.S.
People
9,000+
Industry
Quick Service Restaurant
Location
USA
Org Size
Enterprise
As you're considering Workvivo as a potential partner, we give it five stars. They've been incredible to work with
Jamie Richardson
Chief Marketing Officer
From Static Intranet to Living Community
White Castle knew what they didn't want: another static intranet. What they craved was a digital living room, a space as "soulful and nourishing" as their sliders.
Workvivo matched that vision. The foundation? Accessibility. Whether it was a general manager driving between locations or a team member on the floor, the platform had to be accessible via phone or laptop. With thousands of front-line leaders, Workvivo became their source of information as they motivate a team of over 9,000 strong.
Three features became the engine behind the platform’s adoption:
- Activity feed: To break down regional silos, White Castle leaned into the platform's social nature. Team members began posting photos and launching contests, injecting personality into the workspace.
- Shoutouts: Workvivo became the central hub for recognition. Team members could now see themselves celebrated by both their immediate peers and corporate leadership.
- Podcasts: Knowing their multi-unit managers spent hours driving, they published podcasts on Workvivo to deliver information that fit naturally into their work lives.
Today, the company feels as connected as it had always aspired to be – a place where the family culture is visible across every location, every shift, and every day.
“You see another Castle doing something and say, 'Hey, let me go ahead and see how it turned out so I can do that too.'” – Seon Williams, General Manager
How Connection Became Two-Way
With Workvivo, White Castle fundamentally shifted how information flows through their organization. Communication went from top-down broadcasting to something far more organic: team members seeking out what matters to them.
Team members can now find open positions and apply for new roles directly through the platform. Regional best practices spread naturally. Recognition is immediate and visible.
Most importantly, White Castle delivered on its promise of equal dignity.
Whether you're a three-day team member or a 30-year veteran, or whether you're at a restaurant, distribution center, or the home office, everyone has the same access and the same ability to connect.
"Our communication is less top-down and more people going out and finding what they want." – John Kelley, Chief People Officer
A Century-Old Brand, Newly Connected
Workvivo has transformed White Castle’s "family culture" from a poster on the wall into a daily, lived experience. And it has proven that a century-old brand can innovate without losing its soul.
Looking ahead, White Castle continues to use the platform to foster an authentic environment where connection is a real, core part of the experience.
"[Workvivo] helped us take our game up so many notches in terms of connection. Genuinely an authentic way to be there for one another." – Jamie Richardson, Chief Marketing Officer