White Castle transforms restaurants for Valentine's Day dinners

White Castle is staging themed Valentine's Day dinners at its 325 dining-room locations with reservations and decorations; the chain says it expects more than 35,000 diners this year.

White Castle is holding its long-running Valentine's Day dinners at restaurants with dining rooms across the U.S. The event, which began in 1991, adds decorations, attentive service and reserved tables for one night each year. This year the chain says 325 locations with dining rooms are participating and organizers expect more than 35,000 diners. Many customers treat the night as a personal tradition and bring family mementos or dress up for the occasion. Key details: - The promotion began in 1991 and was initially offered only in St. Louis and Minneapolis. - About 325 White Castle locations with dining rooms are taking part in the themed dinners this year. - Reservations opened in early January and each participating eatery is given a budget for decorations such as balloons, garland and flowers. - About 32,000 people attended in 2025; the company says it is on target for more than 35,000 this year. - Menu items commonly ordered include sliders, crinkle-cut fries, onion chips, chicken rings and mozzarella cheese sticks. - Fans are sometimes recognized by the chain; 14 fans will be inducted into White Castle's "Craver's Hall of Fame" in May. Summary: The promotion sustains a low-cost, repeatable ritual that many patrons say is rooted in memories and family moments. Organizers report rising attendance this year and plan to recognize selected fans in the chain's Hall of Fame in May.