"The Lou" combo spotlights regional tastes that made St. Louis a Craver capital, plus every 100^th customer eats free between July 13-19

COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A hundred years ago, St. Louisans got their first taste of something small, square and sensational. On July 15, 1925, White Castle opened its very first location in the St. Louis region — at 30 South 18th Street (at Olive Street), just across the street from Union Station — marking the first time The Original Slider ventured east of its founding city, Wichita, Kansas.

Now, 100 years later, White Castle is still family-owned, still serving hot and tasty Sliders, and still proud to call the Gateway to the West home.

"St. Louis was the first city we expanded to after our founding in 1921, and it's held a special place in our hearts ever since," said Lisa Ingram, CEO of White Castle and fourth-generation family member. "For 100 years, Cravers in The Lou have embraced White Castle as their own, helping shape our culture, our menu and our story. We're incredibly grateful for the loyalty and love St. Louis has shown our family-owned business and team members across generations."

To celebrate a full century of Craver loyalty, White Castle is pulling out all the stops with regional exclusives, crave-worthy deals and a heartfelt Thank You to the generations of fans in the St. Louis region who made it all possible.

Meet "The Lou" Combo: A Love Letter to Local Cravings

Beginning June 30 and running through September 7, White Castle is offering a one-of-a-kind meal celebrating the unique Crave culture of St. Louis: "The Lou" combo.

For $9.49, Cravers can indulge in:

• 2 Bottom-Bun Cheese Sliders (a secret-menu sensation born in The Lou)
• An order of Cheese Fries (a popular menu item in St. Louis)
• A Gooey Butter Cake Dessert-on-a-Stick (the celebrated St. Louis dessert)
• A 21 oz. Freestyle Beverage

"White Castle has always had deep roots in St. Louis, and The Lou combo is our way of honoring the creative and passionate spirit of our Cravers here," said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle. "From Bottom-Bun Sliders to cheese-drenched fries, this region has shaped our menu in the most delicious ways."

Introducing the St. Louis Castle Mix: Now Pouring

White Castle team members in St. Louis know there's another local favorite that's not on the standard menu — yet. For years, local customers have been requesting a custom beverage blend: half Coca-Cola Classic, half Hi-C Orange. Now, starting June 30, the "St. Louis Castle Mix" becomes an official selection on Coca-Cola Freestyle machines — but only at St. Louis-area Castles.

Every 100th Craver Eats Free

From July 13 through July 19, White Castle is treating every 100th customer at each St. Louis-area Castle — dine-in or drive-thru — to a free order, on the house (or, Castle!). Orders must be placed at the Castle to qualify (not valid for online or delivery orders).

Limited-Time Rewards for Loyalty Program Members

Members of White Castle's free loyalty program, Craver Nation Rewards™, can join in the celebration too. Ordering "The Lou" combo unlocks a limited-edition badge and a $2 reward toward a future order. It's the perfect way to honor the past while earning a tasty bonus for the next Crave.

"We're beyond grateful for the love, loyalty and imagination of our St. Louis Cravers," said Darrin Cotton, regional director at White Castle. "This community helped White Castle grow into an iconic national brand, and we can't wait to serve up the next 100 years of memorable moments in The Lou — one Slider at a time."

About White Castle^®

White Castle, America's first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business owns and operates about 340 restaurants as well as a retail division providing its famous fare in freezer aisles of retail stores nationwide. As part of its commitment to offering the highest quality products, White Castle owns and operates its own Slider Provider meat plants, bakeries and frozen-Slider retail plants. White Castle has earned numerous accolades over the years including Time magazine's "Most Influential Burger of All Time" (2014, The Original Slider^®) and Thrillist's "Best Plant-Based Fast-Food Burger" (2019, Impossible^™ Slider). In 2021, Fast Company named the fast-food pioneer one of the "10 Most Innovative Dining Companies." White Castle is known for the legendary engagement of its team members and has received the Great Place to Work^® Certification™ for an extraordinary five consecutive years spanning 2021–2025. White Castle is beloved by its passionate fans (Cravers), many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. The official White Castle app makes it easy for Cravers to sign up for the CRAVER NATION REWARDS™ loyalty program, access sweet deals and place pickup orders at any time. For more information on White Castle and how to Follow Your Crave, visit whitecastle.com. 

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SOURCE White Castle