For Krystal Gray and her mother, Cornelia Murphy, a Valentine’s Day dinner at White Castle, complete with candles, white tablecloths, and attentive service, was a cherished ritual.
This year, Gray plans to bring a photograph of her mother, who passed away last spring at 80, to place on the table she has reserved at a Ferndale, Michigan location of the fast-food chain.
“It wouldn’t be the same without her,” Gray stated. “I wanted something to comfort me since she can’t be here in person.”
White Castle has been welcoming couples, families, and hopeful romantics for an intimate dining experience for 35 years. Jamie Richardson, the chain’s chief marketing officer based in Columbus, Ohio, reports that all 325 U.S. locations with dining rooms are participating in the promotion this year.
“For that one day, White Castle transforms into a love castle,” Richardson remarked. “It’s an event our customers anticipate, and many are Valentine’s Day regulars.”
“Quirky” promotion finds fans
The tradition began in 1991 as a test in just St. Louis and Minneapolis. Richardson explained the initial idea was to provide “something fun and unconventional to see if people were interested in a fancy Valentine’s dinner at White Castle.”
Every participating restaurant receives a decoration budget for items like red balloons, garland, and flowers. Reservations, which became available in early January, are mandatory. Approximately 32,000 people dined at White Castle for Valentine’s Day in 2025, and Richardson expects to exceed 35,000 attendees this year.
“Some guests arrive by limousine,” he noted. “People dress up as if for their wedding. We’ve actually hosted more than 200 weddings at our restaurants over the years.”
Sliders and memorable moments
The appeal of the steam-grilled beef sliders, topped with mustard, ketchup, onions, cheese, and a pickle on a bun, is undeniable for many. Orders are commonly rounded out with crinkle-cut fries and a soft drink, while onion chips and chicken rings are also favorites.
“You get the atmosphere, the affection, and wonderful memories at a low cost,” Richardson said. “A couple might spend about $20, or around $25 if they include a dessert on a stick.”
According to Ann Tubbs, a district supervisor for nine locations in Detroit and mid-Michigan, customers appreciate the affordability, but it’s the tradition and memory-making that truly bring them back.
“I’ve had a couple share pregnancy news here,” Tubbs shared. “We see families creating special moments with their children, and we’ve witnessed proposals.”
Amy Richardson, 41, from Lincoln Park near Detroit, ensures her family dresses for the occasion, often coordinating in pink or red outfits.
She has celebrated every Valentine’s Day at White Castle since 2012.
“I was newly in a relationship and had a 3-year-old daughter,” she recalled of that first visit. “We needed a kid-friendly spot. The three of us got ready and went on our date.”
Now a family of five, they spend roughly $30 on their Valentine’s meal.
“We typically order sliders, chicken rings, and mozzarella sticks,” Amy Richardson added. “It’s about nostalgia. The setting is enhanced, but it’s not a formal restaurant where bringing young children is frowned upon.”
Waffle House, another national chain, is also celebrating its 18th year of a special Valentine’s Day dinner. Spokesperson Kelly Bruner said this was the first year online reservations were accepted, and most of the 218 participating locations were fully booked by the end of last week.
Carrying on a family tradition
Gray has turned the White Castle Valentine’s dinner into a tradition, having participated around ten times. In May, she will be one of 14 fans inducted into the White Castle “Craver’s Hall of Fame” after submitting their personal stories.
This year, she will honor her mother’s memory by sharing the day with her two young daughters.
“I appreciate the simplicity—just sitting together and spending time,” she said. “Sometimes we overcomplicate things to the point of not enjoying them, especially when spending a lot of money.”