Louisville, Ky. — Like the lowering of a drawbridge, the scissors snapped down on the blue, orange and white ribbons Feb. 15, ushering in the crowd of media, local dignitaries and customers. Though the castle doesn't actually house royalty, the building at 105 E. Market St. in downtown Louisville, Ky., has a noble distinction — it's the largest White Castle in the world.
Thirty feet by 81 feet, the restaurant is 20 percent larger than the restaurant it replaced, a White Castle that closed its doors in October 2007 to make room for its successor. The newly expanded unit has booths and tables for 78 customers.
After cutting the ceremonial ribbon, Louisville mayor Jerry Abramson went inside and stepped behind the counter — washing his hands first, of course, per White Castle regulations — to serve Slyders to the first customers. The Slyder, a miniature, square-shaped burger, is the signature menu item for the Columbus, Ohio-based chain.
The mayor, who said he visited his share of White Castles after high-school events during his teenage years, proclaimed the day "White Castle Grand Opening Day." He urged citizens to realize the prominence of the occasion and noted that the chain has been in the Louisville community for 80 years. The new location marks the 14th in the city.
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| The interior of the world's largest White Castle, which measures 30 by 81 feet and seats 78 people. |
While there's a White Castle in New York that may seat more people, regional director of operations Eddie Smith said the new location, which features a drive-thru, is the largest of its kind.
Councilman David Tandy said the larger scale of the restaurant fits with the city's plans for expansion.
"Providing that 24-hour experience that you can only find right here in Louisville, and it's convenient that you're right around the corner from the new arena that will be built in a couple of years," he said, referring to a 22,000-seat sports facility planned for Second and Main streets.
Because of potential traffic generated by the arena, as well as the restaurant's proximity to museums and other downtown attractions, Smith predicts the newest White Castle has a bright future in store.
"One day we'll be the busiest White Castle in the Louisville area," he said.
