White Castle officially marked its 90th birthday Thursday, kicking off a year of celebrations and promotions.
The restaurant chain, famous for its original sliders, first opened its doors March 10, 1921, in Wichita, Kan. The now Columbus, Ohio-based company is family-owned and does not franchise. It also owns its own meat production facilities and bakeries to ensure quality control.
"White Castle is proud to be 90 years young," said Jamie Richardson, vice president of corporate and government relations. "Since 1921, White Castle has remained true to its original mission and values. Our name says it all — White signifying purity and Castle signifying strength and permanence."
In addition to being America's first family-owned hamburger chain, White Castle has experienced many firsts in its 90 years.
White Castle is the only quick-service chain to create and patent the five-hole, 100-percent USDA-approved beef original slider patty, sponsor National Hamburger Month, use cardboard cartons for burger packaging and sell frozen microwavable original sliders in major U.S. grocers.
