White Castle Celebrates 90th Birthday

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In 1921 Warren G. Harding was elected president, American actresses Donna Reed and Carol Channing were born, the first radio baseball game was broadcast and Edgar W. "Billy" Ingram opened the first White Castle restaurant in Wichita, Kan. On Thursday, March 10, White Castle, America's first fast-food chain, celebrates its 90th birthday.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030828/WHITECASTLELOGO )

March 10, White Castle's official "date of birth," will kick off a year of celebrations with special events and promotions throughout 2011.

"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."

White Castle stands out from other fast-food chains for many reasons. It's a family-owned business that does not franchise, and inspires loyalty among team members and customers. It also developed its own meat production facilities and bakeries to ensure quality control, setting a new standard for the restaurant industry.

Richardson added that celebrating 90 years is quite an accomplishment in the quick service restaurant industry as many chains have come and gone in almost a century.

"As a company that essentially changed American eating patterns in the 20th century by introducing fast-food carryout meals, the White Castle brand has provided cherished moments in many American's lives, whether they're loyal Cravers or one of our dedicated team members," he said.

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 one and only fast-food 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.

Throughout 2011, White Castle is hosting special events and birthday celebrations to observe the 90th birthday as the company looks forward to another 90 years of creating even more special moments.

About White Castle

White Castle is a family-owned business based in Columbus, Ohio that owns and operates more than 400 White Castle restaurants in 11 states. The company was founded in Wichita, Kansas in 1921 and was the first fast-food hamburger chain. All White Castle burgers are made from 100-percent USDA approved beef. For more information on White Castle, visit www.whitecastle.com.

SOURCE White Castle