White Castle has been feeding Cravers for over a century—but what does the next 100 years look like? Together, White Castle and WD set out to answer that question with a first-of-its-kind prototype: a reimagined restaurant experience built from the ground up around the way guests live, order, and connect with the brand today. Think […]
The Kitchen Is Getting Smarter
wayfindThe foodservice industry has always evolved under pressure—and right now, the pressure is immense. Members of WD’s Operations Strategy & Design team attended the National Restaurant Association’s annual show in Chicago — and what they saw on the floor reinforced just how quickly things are moving. Labor costs continue to climb, consumer expectations for speed […]
How Are the Best Brands Delivering Faster, Smarter Projects? They’re Asking Different Questions.
wayfindThere’s a pattern we’ve noticed in the conversations happening at the highest levels of retail, foodservice, and commercial construction right now. The brands winning on speed, cost efficiency, and consistency aren’t asking “how do we cut corners?” They’re asking smarter questions — about systems, data, and process — earlier in the lifecycle than most teams […]
Jollibee
postAs Jollibee expanded across the U.S., the focus was clear: lower build and operating costs without compromising the guest experience. We partnered with the brand to assess operations, design a scalable back-of-house prototype, and create standards that could be rolled out consistently across the growing fleet.
Feeding the Masses
wayfindWhen thousands of guests arrive hungry at the same time, foodservice becomes more than a convenience; it becomes a critical operational challenge. From theme parks and stadiums to large retail destinations, operators are asking the same questions: How do we serve more guests in less time? How do we maximize throughput while controlling labor costs? […]
Buc-ee’s
postBuc-ee’s operates at a scale few brands can match, where the kitchen is a core driver of speed, consistency, and the overall guest experience. As the brand expanded into new formats, we reengineered kitchen design and execution to maximize labor productivity, increase throughput, and improve speed of service across every location.
White Castle
postWhite Castle set out to reimagine the guest experience while honoring its legacy. The result is a flexible, scalable platform that blends nostalgia with next-gen expectations, designed to deliver memorable moments for Cravers today and tomorrow.
Wawa
postWawa wanted to innovate its foodservice operations while preserving the guest experience that built its cult following. We reimagined the operating model to function more like a QSR or fast-casual brand—pairing a newly updated store design with an optimized kitchen—to create a scalable system that improved efficiency and significantly boosted sales.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
postTropical Smoothie Cafe needed to increase service speed, reduce labor inefficiencies, and standardize layouts to keep pace with rapid growth. We were brought in to reimagine the production area—designing a single scalable layout that delivers faster service and consistent guest experiences across all formats.
sweetgreen
postsweetgreen set out to push the boundaries of fast-casual dining by integrating automation without losing the human touch. The result was a groundbreaking design incorporating Spyce's Infinite Kitchen—delivering efficiency and innovation while staying true to the brand's commitment to freshness and community.
Krispy Kreme
postKrispy Kreme set out to evolve—refreshing its iconic brand while preparing operations for rapid global growth. Together, we reimagined the shop experience for the first time in over a decade, building a scalable design system ready for worldwide rollout and transforming ambitious concepts, like the Times Square flagship, into high-performing realities.
Sensory Storytelling: How Immersive Retail Cuts Through the Noise
wayfindWe’re witnessing a global revolution as brands are reimagining physical spaces in order to build brand love. Leading brands recognize the evolving relationships with consumers and have shifted beyond just selling products. They’re creating movement, fostering community, and immersing shoppers in new forms of brand storytelling and interaction – experiences that evoke true emotion and […]
Tech + Ops: The Power Partnership Behind Immersive Guest Experiences
wayfindIn the world of theme parks and location-based entertainment, it’s no longer just about the rides — it’s about the experience. The most successful attractions today are powered by a seamless blend of digital innovation and operational excellence. To explore how those two worlds come together, we sat down with Eric Soto, a senior technology […]
Aramark HQ
postAramark needed its new Global Headquarters to be more than a workplace—it had to become a living expression of the brand’s values and global reach. We created a strategy that embedded storytelling throughout the space, turning the HQ into a dynamic hub that inspires, informs, and connects every visitor.
Homeward Kitchen
postGolden Corral launched Homeward Kitchen to enter the fast-casual market with a concept that felt new, yet unmistakably warm and familiar. The result was a small-format, counter-service restaurant designed to attract younger audiences while staying true to the brand’s values of quality, comfort, and hospitality.
Shake Shack
postAs Shake Shack grew from a NYC cult favorite into a global brand, the challenge was scaling with intention while preserving its craveable charm. Together we introduced new formats—from flagship stores to frictionless drive-thrus—that elevated operations and created community-focused experiences, proving that scale and soul can grow side by side.
El Pollo Loco
postRooted in community and family, El Pollo Loco wanted to reconnect with guests through a dining experience that celebrated its heritage. We helped evolve the brand’s expression—bringing warmth, authenticity, and a bold new visual identity that tells the story of where it all started: over an open flame.
SeaWorld
postSeaWorld needed foodservice venues that could handle large guest volumes without sacrificing experience. We developed two flexible models—a market-style layout for exploration and a cafeteria-style layout for speed—designed to scale across multiple parks while keeping service smooth and enjoyable.
BJ’s Brewhouse
postFor more than two decades, BJ’s Restaurants has trusted us to help evolve and expand their national portfolio. What began as project support has grown into a long-standing partnership—delivering technical expertise, regulatory insight, and scalable solutions that keep the brand running strong.
The Hidden Engine of Flagships: Why Operations Make the Magic Possible
wayfindFlagship stores are often celebrated for their immersive designs, bold statements of identity, and ability to showcase a brand at its peak. But beneath the sparkle and spectacle lies an operational machine that makes it all possible — from labor planning to inventory flow to technology integration. These destinations succeed because every part of the […]
