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White Castle is a family owned, very conservative operation. When they open a new site, they buy the land, build the unit, then put a years worth of operating costs in the bank - all from cash from the business, without borrowing a cent.

My dad worked for White Castle as a tool and die maker in their workshop behind the corporate business office on Goodale Street in Columbus, Ohio. He was there for about 20 years during the 60s and 70s. He actually built the prototype for the machine that makes the 5 holes in the burgers, which are used to decrease the cooking time and enhance the flavor from the onions. Until the last few years, the buildings were made from porcelain and the shop pre-fabricated the entire building in the shop my dad worked in - including the stainless steel counters, tables, trim ... etc.

Just had a few the other night, and when I do, I think of my dad working there and the good friends he made while working for Billy Ingram. By the way, it was also a non-union shop as the management always treated their employees well.

That is a very cool story about your dad and White Castle in general. Personally, I love White Castle burgers, especially the jalapeno cheeseburgers. Too bad the nearest one to me is around 25 miles away. I have a crave! :)