Candles and tablecloth at White Castle: How a Valentine’s Day custom sprouted over 30 years in the past and unfold nationwide

This yr, Gray will deliver alongside a photograph of her mom, who died final spring at age 80, and place it on the desk she has nonetheless reserved at one of many fast-food chain eating places within the Detroit suburb of Ferndale.

“It wouldn’t be the same without her,” Gray stated. “I wanted something to make me feel better about her not physically being able to come.”

For 35 years, White Castle has invited lovers, family members and the soon-to-be in like to have an intimate meal at its eating places. This yr the 325 White Castles with a eating room within the U.S. are collaborating within the promotion, in accordance with Jamie Richardson, chief advertising officer of the Columbus, Ohio-based restaurant chain.

“That one day White Castle becomes love castle,” Richardson stated. “It’s something our customers look forward to. Many are repeat visitors on Valentine’s Day.”

“Quirky” promotion finds followers

The promotion began in 1991 and was solely supplied at White Castles in St. Louis and Minneapolis. Richardson stated the aim was to supply “something kind of fun and quirky and see if anyone wants to come out have a fancy Valentine’s Day dinner at White Castle.”

Each collaborating eatery is given a finances for decorations which might embrace purple balloons, garland and flowers. Reservations are required and opened in early January. About 32,000 individuals celebrated Valentine’s Day dinner at a White Castle in 2025. Richardson says they’re on the right track for greater than 35,000 this yr.

“Some people show up in limousines,” he stated. “We’ll have people dress like it’s their wedding. We had over 200 White Castle weddings over the years.”

Sliders and memorable moments

There’s simply one thing in regards to the skinny slice of steam-grilled beef, slathered in mustard and ketchup with diced onions, cheese and a pickle slice on a dinner roll that many can’t resist. Crinkle-cut French fries and a delicate drink sometimes fill out orders. The onion chips and rooster rings are also fashionable.

“It’s all the ambiance, all the love and all the great memories for a fraction of the price,” Richardson stated. “For a couple, if they are really splurging, it’s right around $20, or $25 if you’re getting dessert on a stick.”

Ann Tubbs, district supervisor of 9 “Castles” within the Detroit and mid-Michigan areas, stated clients inform her that the reasonably priced price helps however individuals hold coming due to the custom and reminiscences.

“I’ve had a couple who announced their pregnancy,” Tubbs stated. “We’ve had people come in with their children just to make those moments, and others who have gotten engaged.”

Amy Richardson, 41, of Lincoln Park close to Detroit, makes certain that she, her three kids and her vital different additionally costume the half, sporting one thing pink or purple and at occasions matching one another.

She stated she has spent Valentine’s Day at a White Castle yearly since 2012.

“I had just gotten into a new relationship and I had a 3-year-old daughter,” she stated of the primary time. “We wanted to make it somewhere kid-friendly. All three of us packed up and went out on our date.”

The couple has since added two youthful kids and spend about $30 on their Valentine’s Day meals for a household of 5.

“We usually get the sliders and the chicken rings and the mozzarella cheese sticks,” Amy Richardson added. “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.”

Waffle House, one other nationwide restaurant chain, additionally will mark its 18th yr of providing a particular themed dinner on Valentine’s Day. This was the primary yr on-line reservations have been taken and most of the 218 Waffle House places collaborating have been booked by the top of final week, in accordance with spokesperson Kelly Bruner.

Carrying on a household custom

Gray has made Valentine’s Day at White Castle type of a convention, having accomplished it about 10 occasions. Gray might be amongst 14 followers inducted in May into the White Castle “Craver’s Hall of Fame.” They have been chosen after submitting their White Castle tales.

This yr, she additionally will share the day together with her two younger daughters as a tribute to her mom’s reminiscence.

“I just like the simplicity of it all — sit there and spend time with each other,” she stated. “Sometimes, we can do too much and it goes overboard to the point where you can’t really enjoy it — spending so much money.”