White Castle Expands to Florida: New Locations Coming to Daytona and Kissimmee!

White Castle Expands to Florida: New Locations Coming to Daytona and Kissimmee!

As many locals are gearing up for the summer of 2026, the excitement around new dining options in Florida is growing. White Castle, the iconic fast-food chain recognized for its delicious sliders, is set to expand its presence in the Sunshine State with two new locations: one in Daytona Beach and another in Kissimmee. With the opening of these two spots, White Castle continues to mark its return to Florida after more than half a century, having first re-entered the market with a location in Orlando back in 2021.

White Castle is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its memorable cameo in „Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle.“ Marketing VP Jamie Richardson played an instrumental role in securing this feature, convincing the then-CEO, Bill Ingram. This strategic move not only introduced a wider audience to the brand but also helped solidify its cultural relevance. It’s a testament to how deeply rooted White Castle has become in American fast-food culture, now boasting a dedicated fan base, affectionately known as „Cravers,“ many of whom have even chosen to celebrate their love stories at the restaurant.

New Locations Creating Jobs

The Daytona Beach location will be situated at 1944 LPGA Boulevard and is expected to provide over 70 jobs to local residents, injecting a significant economic benefit into the community. In Kissimmee, the new outlet will be part of the O-Town West development, with plans for it to open even before its Daytona counterpart.
This expansion follows recent successes in neighboring Orlando and Clermont, marking a noteworthy comeback for the brand that had been absent from Florida for 53 years.

Interestingly, there’s chatter about a potential larger White Castle location near Universal’s Epic Universe. However, no formal plans have been confirmed at this time, sparking curiosity among fans and food enthusiasts alike.

A Legacy of Innovation

Founded in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas, White Castle is not just noted for its sliders but also as the very first hamburger chain, paving the way for the fast-food industry as we know it today. According to reports from Wannaburger, the chain revolutionized dining with its affordable, stackable sliders, which have become a staple of American fast food culture. Early on, the menu featured sliders topped with classics like onions, pickles, and mustard, alongside sides such as French fries. This practical, tasty approach has become a blueprint for many chains, shaping consumer dining habits for generations.

What sets White Castle apart even today is its commitment to quality. Unlike many modern fast-food giants, White Castle remains a family-run business, currently led by CEO Lisa Ingram, the great-granddaughter of founder Billy Ingram. Currently, the chain operates 341 locations across the United States, demonstrating its resilience and adaptability in an ever-evolving fast-food landscape.

Looking Ahead

The introduction of vegetarian and lower-calorie sliders underlines White Castle’s response to a growing health-conscious consumer base, as well as its adaptability to the digital era with improved online ordering and delivery options. With plans for expansions in Texas as well, including their first restaurant in the state in over a century, White Castle is gearing up to capture the hearts (and appetites) of many more fans across the country, including their steadily growing Florida market.

From humble beginnings nearly a century ago, White Castle has indeed done a good deal to change American dining culture. The upcoming openings in Daytona Beach and Kissimmee promise to further cement this legacy, inviting new generations to indulge in those iconic sliders that so many have learned to crave.

For those eager to catch a taste of nostalgia or simply enjoy a comforting meal, White Castle’s expansion in Florida will surely be a welcome addition to the local dining scene. If you’re a fan, there is much to look forward to!

For more details, check out the full stories on News-Journal Online, Dispatch, and learn about the chain’s history on Wannaburger.