White Castle Celebrates 100 Years as Family-Owned Burger Chain

The iconic fast food brand has been passed down through generations since its founding in 1921.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 4:05pm

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White Castle, the world's oldest fast food burger chain, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2021. The company was founded in 1921 by E.W. "Billy" Ingram and has remained family-owned ever since, with at least 10 third, fourth, and fifth-generation family members currently involved in running the business. Current president and CEO Lisa Ingram, the great-granddaughter of the founder, says her great-grandfather would be proud of how the company has evolved while still serving the same classic square burgers with onions and pickles.

Why it matters

White Castle's century-long history as a family-owned business is a rarity in the fast food industry, which is typically dominated by large corporations. The company's commitment to its founding values and recipes has helped it maintain a loyal customer base and stand out in a crowded market.

The details

White Castle pioneered several industry firsts, including offering take-out burgers packed in paper bags and introducing the concept of the "slider" - a small square burger with onions and pickles. During World War II, when beef was rationed, the company pivoted to selling fried eggs and hot dogs. In 1943, a White Castle operator in Cincinnati came up with the idea of poking five holes in each burger patty to help the meat cook faster and cut costs, which the company then patented. Today, White Castle has over 400 locations across the country and also sells frozen burgers in grocery stores.

  • White Castle was founded in 1921 by E.W. "Billy" Ingram.
  • In 1927, the company changed its slogan to "Buy 'em by the sack".
  • In 1930, a University of Minnesota medical student completed a 13-week study where he only ate White Castle burgers and drank water.
  • In 1933, White Castle advertised five sliders for 10 cents.
  • In 1943, during World War II, White Castle pivoted to selling fried eggs and hot dogs due to beef rationing.

The players

E.W. "Billy" Ingram

The founder of White Castle, who established the company in 1921.

Lisa Ingram

The great-granddaughter of Billy Ingram and the current president and CEO of White Castle.

Bernard Flesche

A University of Minnesota medical student who completed a 13-week study in 1930 where he only ate White Castle burgers and drank water.

Earl Howell

A White Castle operator in Cincinnati who came up with the idea of poking five holes in each burger patty in 1943 to help the meat cook faster and cut costs.

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What’s next

White Castle is planning a centennial celebration in 2021 to commemorate its 100 years as a family-owned business.

The takeaway

White Castle's enduring success as a family-owned fast food chain for a century is a testament to the company's commitment to its founding values and recipes, as well as its ability to adapt to changing market conditions. The company's history serves as an inspiring example of how a mission-driven, community-focused business can thrive in an industry often dominated by large corporations.