After more than 100 years as a cornerstone of American fast food, White Castle is finally coming to Texas. The iconic burger chain will open its first Texas location at Grandscape in The Colony, with an anticipated debut in summer 2026. For a brand that has inspired lifelong loyalty across the Midwest and East Coast, the move marks a significant expansion—and for Texans, a long-awaited chance to experience a true original.
White Castle was founded in 1921 and is often credited as the country’s first fast-food hamburger chain. Long before drive-thrus and dollar menus became standard, White Castle focused on consistency, affordability, and cleanliness. Its signature offering, the Original Slider, was designed to be simple and repeatable: a small, square beef patty cooked on a bed of chopped onions, topped with a pickle, and served on a soft, steamed bun. The square shape allowed for efficient cooking, while the onions did more than add flavor—they steamed the meat, keeping it moist and tender.
That cooking method defines the White Castle experience. These are not burgers built around char or heft. Instead, the sliders are soft, onion-forward, and subtly savory, with a texture and flavor that feels intentionally restrained. They are meant to be eaten in multiples, encouraging a casual, shared style of dining that has become part of the brand’s identity. For many fans, the appeal is as much about ritual and nostalgia as it is taste.
Over time, White Castle has expanded its menu to include chicken, fish, and breakfast sliders, along with crinkle-cut fries and classic sides, but the Original remains the foundation. Its influence stretches beyond restaurants into grocery freezers and popular culture, reinforcing its status as a uniquely American institution.
Opening at Grandscape places White Castle in one of North Texas’s most active dining and entertainment districts. When it arrives, it won’t just introduce a new burger option—it will bring a century-old piece of food history, finally giving Texas a seat at the slider table.
