Voices from the Castle
We think White Castle is a pretty great place to work. But don’t just take our word for it! Hear from team members across the company as they share their experiences, career journeys, and what keeps them coming back day after day.
TEAM MEMBER STORIES
In every area of our organization, and in every stage of their careers, our team members have remarkable stories of their time with White Castle. Get to know them and learn firsthand what they love about working at White Castle.
Restaurant Team Member Stories
What is one thing you love most about working at White Castle?
White Castle has great values. They’re very inclusive and motivate us to reach our goals.
Favorite Menu Item: Mozzarella Sticks
Sherry Pacheco, General Manager, New Jersey
How would you describe your team?
I have the best team! We are family. We support one another, hold each other accountable, celebrate successes together, and face challenges side by side. Each team member brings unique strengths that contribute to our success. When you walk into my Castle, my team will make you feel at home.
Favorite Menu Item: The Sausage Egg and Cheese Slider
Kyra Stafford, General Manager, Detroit
Why should somebody choose White Castle as their next place to work?
Because of the company’s long-standing history, strong family-oriented culture, and commitment to its team members. Being recognized by our team members as a Great Place To Work® speaks volumes about our values, work environment, and reputation within the industry.
Favorite Menu Item: The Mozzarella Sticks
Francis Nation, Operating Partner, Florida
How would you describe your team?
We’re competitive and constantly challenge each other to move faster, improve, and succeed together. Everyone is always willing to step in and help each other out when needed.
Favorite Menu Item: The Waffle Sausage, Egg, & Cheese Breakfast Sliders
Joshua Brenner, General Manager, St. Louis
Home office team member stories
What is the most exciting thing about working at White Castle?
Being able to say that I enjoy my job. I’ve had some amazing volunteer experiences through the company, and I enjoy being a big part of the Operation Service team!
Favorite Menu Item: The Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Slider
Alisa Lewis, Real Estate Coordinator
How does White Castle leadership help you develop and grow?
By helping you in the position you are in, and helping you with schooling to do your job better or to strive for another position.
Favorite Menu Item: The Double Cheese Slider with extra cheese, bacon, and a sunny-side-up egg
Anthony Clay, Print Production Associate
What does being ‘community-minded’ mean to you?
It means showing up for the people around you and helping create an environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their best selves.
Favorite Menu Item: The Crispy Chicken Slider
Tyler Smigelski, Brand Manager – Creative Services
What do you love about the culture and environment at White Castle?
It’s like being a part of a huge family! White Castle provides the perfect environment to harmonize your work and your life. I love when White Castle team members ask about my kids and when my kids ask about my Castle family. I found where I belong.
Favorite Menu Item: The Crispy Chicken Slider
Marie Sidenstricker, Regional Learning Manager, Home Office
manufacturing team member stories
How does White Castle keep you and your team safe and healthy?
White Castle helps keep our team safe and healthy by focusing on food safety, proper training, and teamwork. We follow safety procedures, GMPs, PPE requirements, SOPs, Safety Chain checks, and sanitation standards daily to create a safe working environment. Management also supports continuous training and encourages team members to speak up when they see safety concerns.
Favorite Menu Item: The Fish Slider
Tien Nguyen, Production Supervisor, Louisville Retail Plant
What is the most important part of your job?
Making sure the team members have everything they need to be successful and feel appreciated.
Favorite Menu Item: The Cheddar Cheese Slider and Clam Strips
Ben Barnhart, Plant Manager, Zanesville Meat Plant
How would you describe your team?
We’re tight-knit and involved in both the immediate and surrounding communities. We look out for one another both in and out of the workplace. It’s an enjoyable work experience every day!
Favorite Menu Item: The Crispy Chicken Slider
Heidi White, Plant Manager, Rensselaer Bakery Plant
IN IT FOR THE LONG-RUN
What is one thing that has always stayed consistent at White Castle?
The people you work with, build working relationships with. We care for each other like family.
Favorite Menu Item: the classic cheese Slider with ketchup
Mike Guinan, Vice President, Restaurant Operations
Team Member since 1984
What first drew you to White Castle?
The friendly and family atmosphere. We’re all in this together.
Favorite Menu Item: The Jalapeño Chicken Ring Slider
Manny Thakkar, District Supervisor, Chicago
Team Member since 1987
What is one thing that has always stayed consistent at White Castle?
You’ll have plenty of chances to grow into a leadership role. Your ability to invest in yourself will help this along!
Favorite Menu Item: Surf ‘n Turf
Chris Shaffery, Sr Vice President, Restaurant Operations
Team Member since 1987
How have things changed since you joined?
Many things have changed. But what remains constant is the impact I’m able to make with every level of team member. I love the fact that I get to connect people and knowledge from all areas of the company as a District Supervisor.
Favorite Menu Item: The Chicken Rings
Doretha Proctor, District Supervisor, Detroit
Team Member since 1991
PASSIONATE AND PURPOSEFUL
How do you embed “Results Driven” into what you do?
We start with goal clarity and end with a clear assessment of performance to capture lessons learned. It’s important to identify factors that will meaningfully move the business forward, then work closely as a team around those key performance indicators.
Favorite Menu Item: The Mozzarella Sticks with Zesty Zing Sauce
Marie Cottrell, Senior Brand Manager, Home Office
What drives your “Continuous Crave?”
The need to better myself every day. Always stay hungry.
Favorite Menu Item: The Sausage Breakfast Slider
Eric Pfau, Maintenance Coordinator, Evendale Bakery
Why is “Moment Motivated” important?
By relating my White Castle experience and operational insights to my team members’ daily tasks, I foster professional connections through attentiveness and engagement. During each Crew Manager Development Session, I aim to maximize learning opportunities by focusing on new skills, turning challenges into growth opportunities, and celebrating small wins.
Favorite Menu Item: The Jalapeño Cheese Slider with pickles
Megan Vasquez, Regional Learning Manager, Home Office
How does White Castle encourage your Continuous Crave?
White Castle allows me to explore my ideas. Between creating Excel documents to help me run my shift as a Crew Manager, to adding burgers to a dedicated screen as an Regional Tech Manager, and updating the WorkFlowManager update release process – All of my ideas across my career with White Castle have contributed towards my growth and development.
Favorite Menu Item: The Jalapeño Cheese Slider
Tim Tatem, Application Development Supervisor, Home Office
