For Krystal Gray, Valentine’s Day dinner at White Castle wasn’t just a meal; it was a cherished annual ritual shared with her mother, Cornelia Murphy. This year, the tradition takes on a poignant new layer as Gray plans to place a photo of her late mother, who passed last spring at 80, on their reserved table at a Ferndale, Michigan, White Castle. “It wouldn’t be the same without her,” Gray shared, her words echoing the deep sentiment that has fueled this unique fast-food romance for decades. Her gesture is a testament to the enduring power of a tradition that transforms the humble slider joint into a “Love Castle” for one special night a year.
A “Quirky” Idea That Blossomed into a National Phenomenon
What began as a novel experiment in 1991, offered only at White Castle locations in St. Louis and Minneapolis, has blossomed into a nationwide Valentine’s Day sensation. Jamie Richardson, White Castle’s chief marketing officer, recalls the initial goal: “something kind of fun and quirky and see if anyone wants to come out have a fancy Valentine’s Day dinner at White Castle.” The answer, unequivocally, was yes.
Thirty-five years later, the promotion is a cornerstone of the chain’s calendar, with all 325 U.S. White Castles featuring dining rooms participating. Richardson proudly states, “That one day White Castle becomes love castle. It’s something our customers look forward to. Many are repeat visitors on Valentine’s Day.” The numbers speak for themselves: over 32,000 diners celebrated in 2025, with projections for more than 35,000 this year. Reservations, which open in early January, are a hot commodity.
Beyond the Bun: The Ambiance of Unexpected Romance
Forget your preconceptions of fast food. On Valentine’s Day, White Castle undergoes a remarkable transformation. Each participating eatery receives a budget for festive decorations, adorning dining rooms with red balloons, garlands, and flowers. Attentive wait staff, white tablecloths, and flickering candles create an atmosphere of intimate dining, a stark contrast to the usual grab-and-go experience.
While the setting is elevated, the menu remains true to its roots. Diners feast on the iconic steam-grilled beef sliders, slathered with mustard and ketchup, diced onions, cheese, and a pickle slice. Crinkle-cut French fries, onion chips, and chicken rings round out the orders. Yet, as Richardson points out, it’s not just about the food: “It’s all the ambiance, all the love and all the great memories for a fraction of the price.” A romantic dinner for two, even with dessert, typically costs a mere $20 to $25, making it an accessible luxury for many.
Crafting Cherished Moments and Milestones
The affordability is certainly a draw, but as Ann Tubbs, a district supervisor for nine Michigan “Castles,” observes, it’s the tradition and the memories that truly keep people coming back. White Castle has become an unlikely backdrop for some of life’s most significant moments. “I’ve had a couple who announced their pregnancy,” Tubbs shared. “We’ve had people come in with their children just to make those moments, and others who have gotten engaged.” Richardson adds that over 200 White Castle weddings have even taken place over the years, with some guests arriving in limousines and dressing as if for their own nuptials.
Amy Richardson, 41, from Lincoln Park, Michigan, embodies this dedication. Since 2012, she, her three children, and her significant other have celebrated Valentine’s Day at White Castle, always dressing in pink or red, sometimes even matching. Her first visit, with a new partner and a 3-year-old daughter, was driven by a desire for a “kid-friendly” date. Now, with a family of five, they spend about $30 on their annual feast of sliders, chicken rings, and mozzarella cheese sticks. For Amy, it’s “more of a nostalgia thing. It may be fancied up, but it’s not a fancy restaurant where people frown on you bringing a young child or children.”
A Legacy of Love and Loyalty
Krystal Gray’s story further underscores the deep connection customers feel. Her decade-long tradition with her mother, and now with her two young daughters, is a testament to the simple joy and shared experience the event offers. Her loyalty will be formally recognized in May when she is inducted into the White Castle “Craver’s Hall of Fame,” an honor bestowed upon fans who submit their compelling White Castle stories. “I just like the simplicity of it all — sit there and spend time with each other,” Gray reflects, highlighting the event’s ability to cut through the commercialism often associated with Valentine’s Day. “Sometimes, we can do too much and it goes overboard to the point where you can’t really enjoy it — spending so much money.”
While White Castle holds a unique place, it’s not alone in this niche. Waffle House, another national chain, is celebrating its 18th year of offering a special Valentine’s Day dinner, with many of its 218 participating locations quickly booking up, demonstrating a broader appetite for unexpected, affordable romantic traditions.
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