DETROIT — For Krystal Gray, Valentine's Day at White Castle has always been more than just a meal; it's a ritual steeped in family tradition and heartfelt memories. This year, as she reserves her usual table at the Ferndale, Michigan, location, Gray plans to honor her late mother, Cornelia Murphy, who passed away last spring at age 80, by bringing along a cherished photo to place on the table. "It wouldn’t be the same without her," Gray said. "I wanted something to make me feel better about her not physically being able to come."
The fast-food chain, known for its iconic sliders, transforms select restaurants into romantic havens each February 14, complete with white tablecloths, flickering candles, and attentive wait staff dressed for the occasion. What began as a quirky experiment in 1991 has evolved into a beloved annual event, drawing couples, families, and even wedding parties to its 325 U.S. locations equipped with dining rooms. According to Jamie Richardson, White Castle's chief marketing officer based in Columbus, Ohio, the promotion turns the everyday eatery into what he calls a "love castle" for one special night.
"That one day White Castle becomes love castle," Richardson said. "It’s something our customers look forward to. Many are repeat visitors on Valentine’s Day." Reservations for the event open in early January and are required at participating spots, with each restaurant receiving a budget for decorations like red balloons, garland, and flowers to set the mood. Last year, in 2025, approximately 32,000 people celebrated Valentine's Day dinner at White Castle, and Richardson said the chain is on track to exceed 35,000 diners this year.
The allure lies not just in the ambiance but in the affordability and nostalgia of the menu. Diners typically order the signature sliders — thin slices of steam-grilled beef topped with mustard, ketchup, diced onions, cheese, and a pickle on a soft dinner roll — alongside crinkle-cut French fries, soft drinks, onion chips, or chicken rings. For a couple splurging a bit, the bill hovers around $20, or $25 with dessert on a stick, Richardson noted. "It’s all the ambiance, all the love and all the great memories for a fraction of the price," he added.
Ann Tubbs, who oversees nine White Castle locations in the Detroit and mid-Michigan areas as a district supervisor, emphasized that the low cost is a draw, but it's the emotional connections that keep people returning. Customers have shared stories of life milestones unfolding amid the sliders and candlelight, from pregnancy announcements to engagement proposals. "I’ve had a couple who announced their pregnancy," Tubbs said. "We’ve had people come in with their children just to make those moments, and others who have gotten engaged."
Over the years, the event has inspired elaborate celebrations. Richardson recounted instances of guests arriving in limousines or dressing as if for a wedding, with more than 200 White Castle weddings held during the promotion since its inception. The original idea, launched only in St. Louis and Minneapolis outposts, was simply to test a "fun and quirky" alternative to upscale dining. It quickly caught on, expanding nationwide and becoming a staple for those seeking romance without the formality — or expense — of traditional fine dining.
For families like that of Amy Richardson, 41, from Lincoln Park near Detroit, the evening is a chance to blend whimsy with togetherness. Since 2012, she has made it an annual outing with her significant other and three children, all dressed in coordinating pink or red attire. The first time, Richardson recalled, was a casual family date after entering a new relationship with her then-3-year-old daughter in tow. "We wanted to make it somewhere kid-friendly," she said. "All three of us packed up and went out on our date."
Now a family of five, they typically spend about $30 on sliders, chicken rings, and mozzarella cheese sticks. Richardson appreciates the relaxed vibe, free from the judgmental glances that might come at a more upscale venue. "It’s more of a nostalgia thing," she said. "It may be fancied up, but it’s not a fancy restaurant where people frown on you bringing a young child or children." This year, like many others, the event underscores White Castle's role as a venue for creating lasting traditions rather than fleeting indulgences.
Gray's story adds a poignant layer to the promotion's appeal. Having participated about 10 times over the years, she views the simplicity of the evening as its greatest strength. "I just like the simplicity of it all — sit there and spend time with each other," she said. This Valentine's Day, she will share the table with her two young daughters, extending the tribute to her mother's memory. In May, Gray will be among 14 fans inducted into White Castle's Craver’s Hall of Fame, selected for sharing their personal stories with the chain.
White Castle isn't alone in elevating its Valentine's Day offerings. Waffle House, the Southern breakfast staple, is marking its 18th year of themed dinners at 218 participating locations. For the first time, the chain introduced online reservations, which filled up quickly — many spots were booked by the end of last week, according to spokesperson Kelly Bruner. Like White Castle, Waffle House aims to provide an affordable, memorable alternative to conventional date nights, though specifics on menus and decorations were not detailed in reports.
The success of these promotions highlights a broader trend in the fast-food industry: leveraging nostalgia and accessibility to foster emotional bonds. In an era where dining out can strain budgets, events like White Castle's offer a low-stakes way to celebrate love, whether romantic, familial, or platonic. Richardson pointed out that the chain's enduring popularity stems from its unpretentious charm, allowing guests to focus on each other rather than extravagance. "Sometimes, we can do too much and it goes overboard to the point where you can’t really enjoy it — spending so much money," Gray echoed, capturing the sentiment shared by many regulars.
As February 14 approaches, White Castle locations across the country are preparing for another wave of reservations, with staff anticipating everything from intimate couples to boisterous family gatherings. Tubbs noted that the Detroit-area restaurants, in particular, see a mix of longtime patrons and newcomers drawn by word-of-mouth tales of past events. The chain's commitment to the tradition, now in its 35th year, shows no signs of waning, as evidenced by the projected increase in attendance.
Looking ahead, White Castle plans to continue refining the experience while keeping its core elements intact. Richardson hinted at potential expansions, such as more interactive elements for families, but emphasized that the heart of the event remains unchanged: creating spaces for meaningful moments. For participants like Gray and the Richardsons, it's a reminder that love, much like a perfectly steamed slider, thrives in simplicity. As the decorations go up and tables are set, the fast-food icon once again proves that romance can bloom even in the most unexpected places.