The Original Fast Food Restaurant Isn't The One You'd Expect

White Castle's status and legacy today

Throughout the 20th century, White Castle remained a frontrunner in the fast food industry. In 1961, it became the first chain to sell over one billion hamburgers, a milestone that McDonald's reached two years later in 1963. Additionally, White Castle pioneered the use of newspaper coupons for advertising, launching a "five burgers for just 10 cents" promotion in 1933. As the chain's popularity surged, it faced a wave of imitators, many of which adopted names strikingly similar to White Castle.

In recognition of its impact, Time magazine named the White Castle slider the No. 1 "Most Influential Burger of All Time" in 2014, attributing its success to the widespread appeal of burgers in America. However, despite its early lead and consistent growth, White Castle's presence today pales in comparison to industry giants like McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's. While rival chains boast thousands of locations, White Castle operates fewer than 400 outlets in the U.S., primarily concentrated in the Midwest and around New York.

So, why hasn't White Castle achieved the same level of success as McDonald's? Several factors could contribute, but a key difference lies in their business models. McDonald's rapid rise can be largely attributed to its franchise system, whereas White Castle operates exclusively through company-owned locations. Nevertheless, White Castle has managed to maintain a strong foothold in its regional markets and has successfully expanded its reach by offering its iconic square sliders in frozen form at grocery stores across the country.