America's First Fast Food Chain, White Castle, Turns 90

Not only is May "National Hamburger Month", it is also White Castle's birthday, and this year they could also be described as the "senior citizen" of the fast food world, turning 90 in May 2011. National Hamburger Month was actually started in 1992 by America's First Fast Food Chain, White Castle. This family owned business now based in Columbus, Ohio was founded in Wichita, Kansas in 1921. Today, White Castle has over 400 stores in 11 states.

This year White Castle will celebrate it's 90th birthday with special events and promotions throughout the year. A film crew will be capturing many of the events as part of a documentary about White Castle titled "White Castle-What America Craves" and will release it in the spring of 2012.

The celebrations will be kicked off with an Ingram family pilgrimage back to where it all started in Wichita, Kansas in 1921. During the year, 90 White Castle home office team members will work one day in the various restaurants throughout the states. A big 90th birthday bash is also planned at the White Castle office in Columbus.

Some of the White Castle firsts include, first to sell both one million and one billionth burger, and first to sell frozen fast food in addition to being the first fast food chain in America.

In an attempt to get the most out of a pound of hamburger and the most for your money, Bill Ingram dreamed up the square burgers, known as the Cravers. They're so small you can eat several at one seating. Today the cravers are everywhere. Many convenience stores across the country carry 6 packs of White Castle Burgers.


In May of 2011 White Castle will partner with Dillions grocery stores to bring the hot, fresh, steam-grilled-on-a-bed of onions Original Sliders to the Wichita community and pay tribute to the first restaurant location.

The newest thing for White Castle is being able to order online, which available at all it's locations. You can order online and pay online or pay at pickup. This concept was tested in Minneapolis in March and within a couple of months, it was decided to have your sliders available, just a click away.

I was first introduced to White Castle when I had my first job in Minneapolis right after graduating from high school. It was one of the few places I could actually afford to eat at in those days.

Sources:www.whitecastle.com
personal experience