White Castle Celebrates 35 Years of Valentine's Day Tradition

The fast-food chain turns its restaurants into 'Love Castle' for an affordable and nostalgic dining experience.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

For the past 35 years, White Castle has invited customers to celebrate Valentine's Day at its restaurants, turning them into 'Love Castle' for the occasion. The promotion, which started in 1991, now includes 325 White Castle locations across the U.S. that offer a special dinner service with decorations, tablecloths, and attentive wait staff. Customers, some of whom dress up for the event, enjoy White Castle's classic sliders, fries, and other menu items for a fraction of the cost of a typical Valentine's Day dinner.

Why it matters

White Castle's Valentine's Day promotion has become a beloved tradition for many customers, offering an affordable and nostalgic way to celebrate the holiday. The event allows families and couples to create memorable moments at the fast-food chain, which has hosted over 200 White Castle weddings over the years. The promotion also highlights White Castle's ability to adapt its brand and appeal to customers beyond its typical fast-food offerings.

The details

The Valentine's Day promotion at White Castle started in 1991 and was initially only offered at locations in St. Louis and Minneapolis. Over the years, it has expanded to 325 White Castle restaurants with dining rooms across the U.S. Each participating location is given a budget for decorations, which can include red balloons, garland, and flowers. Reservations are required and opened in early January, with the company expecting to serve more than 35,000 customers this year, up from 32,000 in 2025. Customers can enjoy White Castle's classic menu items, including sliders, fries, and chicken rings, for around $20-$25 per couple, including dessert.

  • The Valentine's Day promotion at White Castle started in 1991.
  • Reservations for the 2026 event opened in early January.
  • White Castle expects to serve more than 35,000 customers this Valentine's Day, up from 32,000 in 2025.

The players

White Castle

A fast-food restaurant chain that has been offering a special Valentine's Day dinner service for the past 35 years.

Krystal Gray

A customer who has celebrated Valentine's Day at White Castle for about 10 years and will be among 14 fans inducted into the White Castle 'Craver's Hall of Fame' in May.

Cornelia Murphy

Krystal Gray's mother, who passed away last spring at the age of 80. Gray will bring a photo of her mother to place on the table during this year's Valentine's Day dinner at White Castle.

Jamie Richardson

The chief marketing officer of White Castle, who oversees the Valentine's Day promotion.

Ann Tubbs

The district supervisor of nine White Castle locations in the Detroit and mid-Michigan areas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Jamie Richardson, Chief Marketing Officer, White Castle

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

— Ann Tubbs, District Supervisor, White Castle

“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.”

— Amy Richardson

What’s next

White Castle plans to continue offering its Valentine's Day promotion, with reservations for the 2027 event expected to open in early January.

The takeaway

White Castle's annual Valentine's Day celebration has become a beloved tradition, offering customers an affordable and nostalgic way to celebrate the holiday. The event allows families and couples to create lasting memories at the fast-food chain, showcasing its ability to adapt its brand and appeal to customers beyond its typical offerings.