WHITE CASTLE & WHITE TOWER (page 1)

White Tower Restaurants were inspired by the White Castle chain. The first White Castle opened in 1921. The first White Tower opened in 1926 in Milwaukee, WI. They both had white castle-like buildings. White Towers were built in Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New York, Boston and other large cities. By 1948, the chain had about 250 locations nationwide. I don't believe there are any White Tower restaurants still using the name. Meanwhile, White Castle now has more than 380 locations. For more about White Tower, see these websites: 1, 2, 3, and 4. For more about White Castle, see these websites: 1, 2, and 3. There are also a couple great books about these chains: White Towers and Selling 'em by the Sack: White Castle and the Creation of American Food.

former White Castle Minneapolis, MN

This former White Castle, also known as White Castle #8, was built in 1936. It has been home to Castle Jewelers since at least 2002. The design was inspired by Chicago's Water Tower. The building is contructed of rolled steel and is covered with porcelain enamel panels. This was one of the chain's few prefabricated and portable buildings. It was moved in 1983 and 1986. The structure is listed on the the National Register of Historic Places. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, and 3.

former White Castle Orient, OH

This former White Castle is installed at a private house. The owner has collected other buildings and had them moved here as well. There is a blacksmith shop, church, gas station, railroad depot and general store. This White Castle building has many original fixtures inside. This building and the one in Minneapolis are the only two elaborate, old White Castles left that I know of.

White Castle Headquarters International Columbus, OH

The White Castle Headquarters International building pays tribute to its restaurant design with these porcelain enamel steel panels, stainless steel details, and a central tower. In 1934, White Castle established the Porcelain Steel Building Company in Columbus to produce the steel panels and fixtures for its restaurants. This building has been updated over the years. For more, see this website.

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