WKS Restaurant Group Deploys Video Verified Alarms

WKS Restaurant Group, a fast-growing multi-brand restaurant franchisee, is relying on Interface Security Systems' managed video verified intrusion alarm monitoring to eliminate false alarm costs and standardize security operations across over 380 restaurants.

WKS  is a licensed franchisee of El Pollo Loco, Wendy’s, Denny’s, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Blaze Pizza, and Corner Bakery Cafe.

Before Interface, WKS was incurring about $165,000 worth of false alarm costs. “The problem of false alarms was literally keeping us awake in more than one way. On the one hand, we were losing money as a result of false alarm costs that impacted our bottom line and on the other hand, employees were woken up at odd times only to discover that the entire effort was a waste,” said Christopher Magana, Senior Asset Protection and Safety Manager at WKS.

[According to HT's 2021 Restaurant Technology Study, 10 percent of restaurants surveyed said reducing costs is a top strategic goal for tech investment this year. ]

WKS chose Interface based on its proven track record in implementing innovative physical security solutions for multi-location restaurant chains and multi-brand franchisees. The engagement was kickstarted with a pilot program to validate the effectiveness of Interface’s video verified alarm monitoring solution.

“During the pilot run, at every location where we deployed the video verified alarm solution, we incurred zero false alarm fees. It was a huge win for WKS and Interface,” said Magana.

After the successful pilot project, WKS doubled down on Interface’s video verified alarm solution for all its newly acquired restaurant locations. Interface made sure the solution roll-out stayed on track even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With Interface’s managed alarm services, WKS gained a lot more than reducing false alarm costs: WKS was able to implement a unified process for managing security events across restaurant locations and brands. WKS has a single set of SLAs for all locations and a single point of contact to handle any support requests. Employees can manage alarm devices using a virtual keypad accessed via any smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Interface keeps track of alarm management protocols at every restaurant location and alerts WKS employees if there are deviations.

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