• Best Burgers top 25

    From cranberry transformer@ct@in.valid to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Wed Aug 12 11:06:06 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us
    . In-N-Out Burger
    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients for a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave about the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru experience. Whether yourCOre a first-timer or a lifelong fan, thererCOs something undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an In-N-Out and ordering a Double-Double and Animal Style french fries (topped with their secret sauce, grilled onions, and cheese).
    With more than 119,000 Yelp reviews across more than 400 locations, the brand receives special praise for its not-so-secret rCLsecret menu.rCY Reviewers also highlight customizable options like Protein Style (wrapped in lettuce) or 3x3s (three patties, three slices of cheese).
    2. The Habit Burger Grill
    Habit Burger has built a loyal fanbase with its smoky, flavorful patties, chargrilled to perfection over an open flame, and a commitment to fresh ingredients. Founded in Santa Barbara, California, this brand has quickly expanded across the western and eastern U.S. The vibe is laid-back but polished, and the food consistently delivers on quality and taste.
    The signature Charburger is a standout, layered with caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo on a toasted bun. The menu also features fresh salads, grilled sandwiches and sides like tempura green beans (which have their own fan following). Whether yourCOre a meat lover or looking for a veggie-friendly option, Habit offers something for everyone.
    3. Shake Shack
    What began as a humble hot dog cart in New York CityrCOs Madison Square Park has grown into a nationwide sensationrCoand for good reason. Shake Shack brings gourmet flair to the fast-casual burger world, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and chef-driven recipes.
    Shake Shack is the top-ranked burger brand in more states than any other brand, claiming the #1 spot in 21 states and Washington, D.C.rCoa testament to its widespread appeal. Its original New York location boasts more than 5,800 reviews, and its Theatre District spot earned a place on YelprCOs 2023 list of Top 100 Burgers in America.
    The ShackBurger is the star of the show, with an Angus beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and secret rCLShack SaucerCY on a soft potato bun. But thererCOs more to love: crinkle-cut fries that are always crispy, creamy frozen custard in rotating seasonal flavors, and even a portobello rCLrCOShroom BurgerrCY option for veggie lovers. With locations across the country and around the globe, Shake Shack has become a go-to for burger lovers who want a little extra flair from their fast food.
    4. CulverrCOs
    A Midwest favorite now found in 26 states, CulverrCOs is beloved by fans for its ButterBurgers and rich frozen custard. The Wisconsin-born brand has built a reputation for warm hospitality and comfort food done right.
    The ButterBurger gets its name from the lightly buttered, toasted bun,
    which adds a complementary texture to the fresh beef patty. You can
    customize it with cheese, bacon, mushrooms, and morerCoor get a classic
    with pickles and onions. CulverrCOs also keeps things interesting with innovative limited-time menu offerings like the Colby Jack Pub Burger,
    which is served on a seasoning-topped Everything bun.
    6. FreddyrCOs Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
    FreddyrCOs brings retro charm and classic flavor to the burger scene. With its red-and-white diner aesthetic and friendly service, this brand hits the sweet spot between nostalgic comfort and quality fast-casual dining.
    The Steakburgers are thin and crispy around the edges, cooked on a flat-top grill for maximum flavor. Fans love the FreddyrCOs Original Double, but the real magic is in the detailsrColike the signature fry sauce and perfectly seasoned shoestring fries.
    7. Five Guys Burgers & Fries
    From the moment you walk into Five Guys and scoop up a handful of free peanuts, you know yourCOre in for a no-nonsense, flavor-packed experience. The open kitchen lets you watch your burger being made from scratch, and the smell of sizzling beef and fries is enough to make anyone hungry.
    At Five Guys, customization is king. Diners can choose from a wide
    variety of free toppingsrCogrilled mushrooms, jalapenos, extra pickles,
    you name it. The fries are cut in-house and cooked in peanut oil. The
    result is messy, indulgent, and totally worth it.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From KenitoBenito@Kenito@Benito.too to alt.food.fast-food on Thu Aug 13 00:36:37 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:06:06 -0600, cranberry transformer
    <ct@in.valid> wrote:



    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us


    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by
    sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients for a
    menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave about the
    friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru experience. Whether
    youAre a first-timer or a lifelong fan, thereAs something undeniably >satisfying about pulling up to an In-N-Out and ordering a
    Double-Double and Animal Style french fries (topped with their secret
    sauce, grilled onions, and cheese).

    With more than 119,000 Yelp reviews across more than 400
    locations, the brand receives special praise for its not-so-secret
    osecret menu.o Reviewers also highlight customizable options like
    Protein Style (wrapped in lettuce) or 3x3s (three patties, three
    slices of cheese).


    I can understand why In-N-Out is number one. Great food.
    I get the double double, protein style every time. Two patties
    and two slices of cheese.

    2. The Habit Burger Grill

    Habit Burger has built a loyal fanbase with its smoky, flavorful
    patties, chargrilled to perfection over an open flame, and a
    commitment to fresh ingredients. Founded in Santa Barbara, California,
    this brand has quickly expanded across the western and eastern U.S.
    The vibe is laid-back but polished, and the food consistently delivers
    on quality and taste.

    The signature Charburger is a standout, layered with caramelized
    onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and mayo on a toasted bun. The menu
    also features fresh salads, grilled sandwiches and sides like tempura
    green beans (which have their own fan following). Whether youAre a
    meat lover or looking for a veggie-friendly option, Habit offers
    something for everyone.


    Another good one. If you like your burgers cooked over a flame,
    you will probably like Habit Grill.

    [Snip as I have no comment.]

    7. Five Guys Burgers & Fries

    From the moment you walk into Five Guys and scoop up a handful
    of free peanuts, you know youAre in for a no-nonsense, flavor-packed >experience. The open kitchen lets you watch your burger being made
    from scratch, and the smell of sizzling beef and fries is enough to
    make anyone hungry.

    At Five Guys, customization is king. Diners can choose from a wide
    variety of free toppingsugrilled mushrooms, jalapenos, extra pickles,
    you name it. The fries are cut in-house and cooked in peanut oil. The
    result is messy, indulgent, and totally worth it.

    It's fairly expensive. But pretty good. I don't eat the fries,
    but I'm told they are VERY good.
    --
    Cogito, ergo spud.
    I think, therefore I yam.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Bryan Simmons@bryangsimmons@gmail.com to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Thu Aug 13 06:44:39 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us


    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients for a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave about the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru experience. Whether yourCOre a first-timer or a lifelong fan, thererCOs something undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an In-N-Out and ordering a Double-Double and Animal Style french fries (topped with their secret sauce, grilled onions, and cheese).

    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the pigs.

    I recently saw that Steak 'n Shake has degraded their Steakburgers by switching to grass fed beef. In a few hours, I'll be buying grass fed
    steaks, but it's because they are at a great price. They are inferior in flavor to corn finished, and there's no way they are going to look like
    the picture.
    https://photos.app.goo.gl/X7dZSwYCCpKjLzgc8

    I like the fact that SnS fries the fries in beef fat. I don't believe
    the stupidity about it being more healthful. They are just more
    flavorful. Also, grass fed beef *is* slightly more healthful, but
    inferior in flavor. Notice that they haven't gotten rid of the
    *government cheese*. I'm cool with process cheese on a McDouble, but not
    on a Steakburger--or on a pizza.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provel_cheese
    --
    --Bryan https://www.instagram.com/bryangsimmons/

    For your safety and protection, this sig. has been thoroughly
    tested on laboratory animals.

    "Most of the food described here is nauseating.
    We're just too courteous to say so."
    -- Cindy Hamilton
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From cranberry transformer@ct@in.valid to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Thu Aug 13 08:48:07 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:44:39 -0500
    Bryan Simmons <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:
    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us


    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by
    sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients for
    a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave about the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru experience. Whether
    yourCOre a first-timer or a lifelong fan, thererCOs something
    undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an In-N-Out and ordering
    a Double-Double and Animal Style french fries (topped with their
    secret sauce, grilled onions, and cheese).
    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the pigs.
    Totally agree on the souse - like any mayo derivative, needless fat.
    I recently saw that Steak 'n Shake has degraded their Steakburgers by switching to grass fed beef. In a few hours, I'll be buying grass fed steaks, but it's because they are at a great price. They are inferior
    in flavor to corn finished, and there's no way they are going to look
    like the picture.
    https://photos.app.goo.gl/X7dZSwYCCpKjLzgc8
    True dat, for the same fat content but a sweeter meat try Bison.

    I know - never on sale.

    I like the fact that SnS fries the fries in beef fat. I don't believe
    the stupidity about it being more healthful. They are just more
    flavorful. Also, grass fed beef *is* slightly more healthful, but
    inferior in flavor. Notice that they haven't gotten rid of the
    *government cheese*. I'm cool with process cheese on a McDouble, but
    not on a Steakburger--or on a pizza. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provel_cheese

    I suspect Provel and Gruyere might be copacetic.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From KlausSchadenfreude@klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Thu Aug 13 12:14:29 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:44:39 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us


    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients for a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave about the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru experience. Whether youAre a first-timer or a lifelong fan, thereAs something undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an In-N-Out and ordering a Double-Double and Animal Style french fries (topped with their secret sauce, grilled onions, and cheese).

    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the pigs.

    All of us are happy it repulses you, since it makes the line much
    shorter.

    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From cranberry transformer@ct@in.valid to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Thu Aug 13 15:47:28 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 16:36:04 GMT
    ItsJoanNotJoAnn@webtv.net <user4742@newsgrouper.org.invalid> wrote:
    Bryan Simmons <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> posted:

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us


    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by
    sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients
    for a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave
    about the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru
    experience. Whether yourCOre a first-timer or a lifelong fan,
    thererCOs something undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an
    In-N-Out and ordering a Double-Double and Animal Style french
    fries (topped with their secret sauce, grilled onions, and
    cheese).
    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the pigs.



    An In-N-Out burger joint recently, as in the past few weeks, has
    opened on my side of town, but I have as yet to give them try. I
    perused their menu and there seems to be several choices if the
    animal style doesn't tickle your fancy.

    (Cross posted group snipped.)

    ~
    (Why? In and Out is by defintion "fast-food".)
    Btw - In & Out fries somewhat resemble the old style Wendy's square cut
    fries from decades past. The taste is close too. Accurate fresh tater,
    not batter dipped faux flavoed ones. https://www.reddit.com/r/Asmongold/comments/n42t3d/he_asked_us_to_compare_wendys_old_fries_and_new/?rdt=54850
    " The old WendyrCOs fries were unique and a signature item. They were big potatoey and delicious.
    Their new fries are forgettable and divisive. If you donrCOt like skin on
    your fries, you hate them. If you love skin on your fries, theyrCOre
    still just ok." https://www.cheapism.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Wendys-photos.jpg
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From cranberry transformer@ct@in.valid to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Thu Aug 13 15:49:09 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:14:29 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:
    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:44:39 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us


    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by
    sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients for
    a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave about
    the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru experience.
    Whether yourCOre a first-timer or a lifelong fan, thererCOs something
    undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an In-N-Out and ordering
    a Double-Double and Animal Style french fries (topped with their
    secret sauce, grilled onions, and cheese).
    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the pigs.

    All of us are happy it repulses you, since it makes the line much
    shorter.

    Meanwhile over at the White Castle...
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Bryan Simmons@bryangsimmons@gmail.com to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Thu Aug 13 18:59:48 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On 8/13/2026 4:49 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:
    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:14:29 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:44:39 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us


    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by
    sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients for
    a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave about
    the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru experience.
    Whether yourCOre a first-timer or a lifelong fan, thererCOs something
    undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an In-N-Out and ordering
    a Double-Double and Animal Style french fries (topped with their
    secret sauce, grilled onions, and cheese).
    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the pigs.

    All of us are happy it repulses you, since it makes the line much
    shorter.


    Meanwhile over at the White Castle...

    White Castle customers are dying off faster than they are being
    replaced. It's a death spiral. Harold and Kumar stopped the bleeding for
    a few years, but it was only temporary.
    --
    --Bryan https://www.instagram.com/bryangsimmons/

    For your safety and protection, this sig. has been thoroughly
    tested on laboratory animals.

    "Most of the food described here is nauseating.
    We're just too courteous to say so."
    -- Cindy Hamilton
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From KenitoBenito@Kenito@Benito.too to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Fri Aug 14 00:57:07 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:44:39 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us


    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients for a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave about the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru experience. Whether youAre a first-timer or a lifelong fan, thereAs something undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an In-N-Out and ordering a Double-Double and Animal Style french fries (topped with their secret sauce, grilled onions, and cheese).

    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the pigs.

    Your bitterness means we won't have to wait in line behind you.
    I, for one, am pleased.

    [...]
    --
    I never knew that scuba was an acronym, for Self-Contained Underwater
    Breathing Apparatus.

    Just like tuba for Terrible Underwater Breathing Apparatus.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From KenitoBenito@Kenito@Benito.too to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Fri Aug 14 00:57:28 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:14:29 -0700, KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:44:39 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us


    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients for a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave about the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru experience. Whether youAre a first-timer or a lifelong fan, thereAs something undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an In-N-Out and ordering a Double-Double and Animal Style french fries (topped with their secret sauce, grilled onions, and cheese).

    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the pigs.

    All of us are happy it repulses you, since it makes the line much
    shorter.

    Well, one person shorter. Still a positive, of course.
    --
    All hail Roko's Basilisk!
    It's too late to save yourself.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From cranberry transformer@ct@in.valid to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Fri Aug 14 10:23:54 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Fri, 14 Aug 2026 00:57:28 -0700
    KenitoBenito <Kenito@Benito.too> wrote:
    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:14:29 -0700, KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:44:39 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us


    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by
    sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients
    for a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave
    about the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru
    experience. Whether yourCOre a first-timer or a lifelong fan,
    thererCOs something undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an
    In-N-Out and ordering a Double-Double and Animal Style french
    fries (topped with their secret sauce, grilled onions, and
    cheese).
    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the pigs.


    All of us are happy it repulses you, since it makes the line much
    shorter.

    Well, one person shorter. Still a positive, of course.

    Only the condiment switches, the line count would remain the same.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From cranberry transformer@ct@in.valid to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Fri Aug 14 10:23:05 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:59:48 -0500
    Bryan Simmons <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:
    On 8/13/2026 4:49 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:
    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:14:29 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:44:39 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us


    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by
    sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients
    for a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave
    about the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru
    experience. Whether yourCOre a first-timer or a lifelong fan,
    thererCOs something undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an
    In-N-Out and ordering a Double-Double and Animal Style french
    fries (topped with their secret sauce, grilled onions, and
    cheese).
    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the
    pigs.

    All of us are happy it repulses you, since it makes the line much
    shorter.


    Meanwhile over at the White Castle...

    White Castle customers are dying off faster than they are being
    replaced. It's a death spiral. Harold and Kumar stopped the bleeding
    for a few years, but it was only temporary.

    The Castle must NEVER fall!
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From KlausSchadenfreude@klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Fri Aug 14 15:39:32 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:59:48 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/13/2026 4:49 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:
    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:14:29 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:44:39 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us


    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by
    sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients for
    a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave about
    the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru experience.
    Whether youAre a first-timer or a lifelong fan, thereAs something
    undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an In-N-Out and ordering
    a Double-Double and Animal Style french fries (topped with their
    secret sauce, grilled onions, and cheese).
    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the pigs.

    All of us are happy it repulses you, since it makes the line much
    shorter.


    Meanwhile over at the White Castle...

    White Castle customers are dying off faster than they are being
    replaced.

    Wrong, as I suspect you usually are.

    It's a death spiral.

    'Fraid not, old timer.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From KenitoBenito@Kenito@Benito.too to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Sat Aug 15 08:47:02 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:39:32 -0700, KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:59:48 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/13/2026 4:49 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:
    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:14:29 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:44:39 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us


    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by
    sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients for >>>>>> a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave about
    the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru experience.
    Whether youAre a first-timer or a lifelong fan, thereAs something
    undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an In-N-Out and ordering >>>>>> a Double-Double and Animal Style french fries (topped with their
    secret sauce, grilled onions, and cheese).
    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the pigs.

    All of us are happy it repulses you, since it makes the line much
    shorter.

    Meanwhile over at the White Castle...

    White Castle customers are dying off faster than they are being
    replaced.

    Wrong, as I suspect you usually are.

    Bryan has proved he is not one to allow reality to interfere with
    his claims. So long as he can express how bitter he is with life, he's
    fine with it.


    It's a death spiral.

    'Fraid not, old timer.

    There are locations that are closing, but this is due to increase
    real estate values. It's more profitable to sell the land to
    developers. There is nothing to suggest the number of customers is
    declining.

    https://www.thestreet.com/restaurants/white-castle-burger-chain-closes-restaurant

    I find it amusing that one location is now a KFC. So long as
    White Castle made money on the sale, I doubt anyone is worried.
    --
    With great reflexes comes great response ability.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From cranberry transformer@ct@in.valid to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Sat Aug 15 10:24:02 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Sat, 15 Aug 2026 08:47:02 -0700
    KenitoBenito <Kenito@Benito.too> wrote:
    On Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:39:32 -0700, KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:59:48 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/13/2026 4:49 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:
    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:14:29 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:44:39 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us >>>>>>

    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by
    sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients
    for a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave
    about the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru
    experience. Whether yourCOre a first-timer or a lifelong fan,
    thererCOs something undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an >>>>>> In-N-Out and ordering a Double-Double and Animal Style french
    fries (topped with their secret sauce, grilled onions, and
    cheese).
    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the
    pigs.

    All of us are happy it repulses you, since it makes the line much
    shorter.

    Meanwhile over at the White Castle...

    White Castle customers are dying off faster than they are being >>replaced.

    Wrong, as I suspect you usually are.

    Bryan has proved he is not one to allow reality to interfere with
    his claims. So long as he can express how bitter he is with life, he's
    fine with it.
    Yep.
    It's a death spiral.

    'Fraid not, old timer.

    There are locations that are closing, but this is due to increase
    real estate values. It's more profitable to sell the land to
    developers. There is nothing to suggest the number of customers is
    declining.

    https://www.thestreet.com/restaurants/white-castle-burger-chain-closes-restaurant

    I find it amusing that one location is now a KFC. So long as
    White Castle made money on the sale, I doubt anyone is worried.


    And making money they are, and more on the overnight hours.
    They're stealing some of Waffle House's late hours customers is my
    guess.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Bryan Simmons@bryangsimmons@gmail.com to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Sat Aug 15 16:24:11 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On 8/15/2026 10:52 AM, cranberry transformer wrote:
    On Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:39:32 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:59:48 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/13/2026 4:49 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:
    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:14:29 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:44:39 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us >>>>>>>

    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by
    sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients
    for a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave
    about the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru
    experience. Whether yourCOre a first-timer or a lifelong fan,
    thererCOs something undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an >>>>>>> In-N-Out and ordering a Double-Double and Animal Style french
    fries (topped with their secret sauce, grilled onions, and
    cheese).
    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the
    pigs.

    All of us are happy it repulses you, since it makes the line much
    shorter.


    Meanwhile over at the White Castle...

    White Castle customers are dying off faster than they are being
    replaced.

    Wrong, as I suspect you usually are.

    Bryan ha sit in for boomers...


    It's a death spiral.

    'Fraid not, old timer.

    Not even close:

    https://whitecastle.com/about-us/press-releases/Night%20Castle
    The Data Is In

    In April, White Castle conducted a survey through a third-party online survey platform and found that 83% of respondents like to eat fast-food following a night out. In a separate survey of Cravers conducted a month later, 80% of respondents said that White Castle is the best fast-food brand for making late-night memories and is worth going the extra mile to satisfy their late-night cravings.

    rCLThe survey results confirm that werCOre making the right decision to strengthen White CastlerCOs standing as the go-to after-hours scene for great food,rCY said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle. rCLWe want to be the place where people go at night to satisfy their late-night cravings.rCY

    Their drive thrus have more than their share of drunk drivers after the
    bars close.>
    Investments in Night Castle

    Toward this end, White Castles are staying open later. Nearly 70% of the restaurants are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many of the remaining ones are open well past midnight on weekdays and 24/7 on the weekends. White Castle has ramped up its hiring to accommodate the longer hours.

    https://www.whitecastle.com/about-us/press-releases/6-billion

    At the turn of the century, they were all 24 hours, and closed only on Christmas Day.>
    The retail division of the family-owned business sold its 6th billionth retail Slider at the end of 2021 and achieved record sales last year. In fact, 20% of its total historic sales have come in the past three years alone. The division is poised for continued growth as it celebrates its 35th anniversary and expands its manufacturing capacity in 2022.

    rCLRetail sales have grown steadily since we launched the division in 1987, but they have really taken off in the past decade and even more so the past few years,rCY said Tiffany Carreker, general manager and vice president of sales for White CastlerCOs retail division. rCLOur Cravers love our Sliders, whether theyrCOre made at a restaurant or purchased from the freezer section at their local store.rCY

    People buy those frozen ones. I can't imagine doing that. People have
    shitty taste. They sell fewer hot, fresh burgers, and more frozen crap.>
    To keep up with the growing demand for its frozen Sliders, White Castle
    broke ground last summer on a major expansion of its retail food manufacturing plant in Vandalia, Ohio, near Dayton. The company is
    investing $27 million in the project, which should be complete by June.
    The expansion doubles the size of the plant from approximately 75,000
    square feet to 150,000 square feet.

    https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/top-500-chains-2025/white-castle

    87 of 250

    Gee. 87th. They are closing more stores than opening new ones.

    Top 500
    White Castle
    Facebook
    Twitter
    LinkedIn
    Technomic's Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report ranks the highest-grossing brands in the U.S. Explore the data to see how the biggest chains fared in 2024.

    Top 500 Year 2025
    2024 U.S. Sales ($000,000) $651
    2024 U.S. Units 340
    Menu Category Burger

    They failed in every single foreign market. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Castle_(restaurant)#International_activities
    --
    --Bryan https://www.instagram.com/bryangsimmons/

    For your safety and protection, this sig. has been thoroughly
    tested on laboratory animals.

    "Most of the food described here is nauseating.
    We're just too courteous to say so."
    -- Cindy Hamilton
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Bryan Simmons@bryangsimmons@gmail.com to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Sat Aug 15 17:03:37 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On 8/15/2026 10:47 AM, KenitoBenito wrote:
    On Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:39:32 -0700, KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:59:48 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/13/2026 4:49 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:
    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:14:29 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:44:39 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us >>>>>>>

    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by
    sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients for >>>>>>> a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave about
    the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru experience.
    Whether yourCOre a first-timer or a lifelong fan, thererCOs something >>>>>>> undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an In-N-Out and ordering >>>>>>> a Double-Double and Animal Style french fries (topped with their >>>>>>> secret sauce, grilled onions, and cheese).
    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the pigs. >>>>>
    All of us are happy it repulses you, since it makes the line much
    shorter.

    Meanwhile over at the White Castle...

    White Castle customers are dying off faster than they are being
    replaced.

    Wrong, as I suspect you usually are.

    Bryan has proved he is not one to allow reality to interfere with
    his claims. So long as he can express how bitter he is with life, he's
    fine with it.

    They are closing more locations than they are opening. Their parking
    lots look emptier than a decade ago, and the same for the drive thrus.>>
    It's a death spiral.

    'Fraid not, old timer.

    They don't release data like same store sales, but it's obvious to those
    who live near one, and drive past closed locations.>
    There are locations that are closing, but this is due to increase
    real estate values. It's more profitable to sell the land to
    developers. There is nothing to suggest the number of customers is
    declining.

    https://www.thestreet.com/restaurants/white-castle-burger-chain-closes-restaurant

    I find it amusing that one location is now a KFC. So long as
    White Castle made money on the sale, I doubt anyone is worried.

    If a KFC is more viable than a WC, that says a lot.
    --
    --Bryan https://www.instagram.com/bryangsimmons/

    For your safety and protection, this sig. has been thoroughly
    tested on laboratory animals.

    "Most of the food described here is nauseating.
    We're just too courteous to say so."
    -- Cindy Hamilton
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From cranberry transformer@ct@in.valid to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Sat Aug 15 16:25:09 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Sat, 15 Aug 2026 16:24:11 -0500
    Bryan Simmons <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:
    On 8/15/2026 10:52 AM, cranberry transformer wrote:
    On Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:39:32 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:59:48 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/13/2026 4:49 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:
    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:14:29 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:44:39 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us >>>>>>>

    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by >>>>>>> sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients >>>>>>> for a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave
    about the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru
    experience. Whether yourCOre a first-timer or a lifelong fan,
    thererCOs something undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an >>>>>>> In-N-Out and ordering a Double-Double and Animal Style french
    fries (topped with their secret sauce, grilled onions, and
    cheese).
    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the
    pigs.

    All of us are happy it repulses you, since it makes the line
    much shorter.


    Meanwhile over at the White Castle...

    White Castle customers are dying off faster than they are being
    replaced.

    Wrong, as I suspect you usually are.

    Bryan ha sit in for boomers...


    It's a death spiral.

    'Fraid not, old timer.

    Not even close:

    https://whitecastle.com/about-us/press-releases/Night%20Castle
    The Data Is In

    In April, White Castle conducted a survey through a third-party
    online survey platform and found that 83% of respondents like to
    eat fast-food following a night out. In a separate survey of
    Cravers conducted a month later, 80% of respondents said that White
    Castle is the best fast-food brand for making late-night memories
    and is worth going the extra mile to satisfy their late-night
    cravings.

    rCLThe survey results confirm that werCOre making the right decision to strengthen White CastlerCOs standing as the go-to after-hours scene
    for great food,rCY said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White
    Castle. rCLWe want to be the place where people go at night to
    satisfy their late-night cravings.rCY

    Their drive thrus have more than their share of drunk drivers after
    the bars close.>
    Investments in Night Castle

    Toward this end, White Castles are staying open later. Nearly 70%
    of the restaurants are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many
    of the remaining ones are open well past midnight on weekdays and
    24/7 on the weekends. White Castle has ramped up its hiring to
    accommodate the longer hours.

    https://www.whitecastle.com/about-us/press-releases/6-billion

    At the turn of the century, they were all 24 hours, and closed only
    on Christmas Day.>
    What's old is new again.
    The retail division of the family-owned business sold its 6th
    billionth retail Slider at the end of 2021 and achieved record
    sales last year. In fact, 20% of its total historic sales have come
    in the past three years alone. The division is poised for continued
    growth as it celebrates its 35th anniversary and expands its
    manufacturing capacity in 2022.

    rCLRetail sales have grown steadily since we launched the division in
    1987, but they have really taken off in the past decade and even
    more so the past few years,rCY said Tiffany Carreker, general manager
    and vice president of sales for White CastlerCOs retail division.
    rCLOur Cravers love our Sliders, whether theyrCOre made at a restaurant
    or purchased from the freezer section at their local store.rCY

    People buy those frozen ones. I can't imagine doing that. People have
    shitty taste. They sell fewer hot, fresh burgers, and more frozen
    crap.
    I buy them and they are fine if you have some decent air fryer "nails"
    for them.
    To keep up with the growing demand for its frozen Sliders, White
    Castle broke ground last summer on a major expansion of its retail
    food manufacturing plant in Vandalia, Ohio, near Dayton. The
    company is investing $27 million in the project, which should be
    complete by June. The expansion doubles the size of the plant from approximately 75,000 square feet to 150,000 square feet.

    https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/top-500-chains-2025/white-castle

    87 of 250

    Gee. 87th. They are closing more stores than opening new ones.
    They're still making good sales.
    I mean if you consider a 35.1% profit margin as reflective.
    Most would. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bypoddar_white-castle-generates-7206-million-annually-activity-7416844851515899904-18da
    White Castle posted a 35.1% profit margin in 2024. They're more profitable as a percentage than most chains 10x their size.
    Part of that margin comes from mix: a national grocery products business (frozen sliders) sitting alongside their restaurant operations. But it's also extreme operational discipline.
    For a sub-$1B chain, White Castle invests heavily in tech: 100+ AI drive-thrus, dozens of Flippy robots, autonomous delivery pilots. Most brands don't invest like that until they have thousands of units.
    Their "Castle of Tomorrow" prototype tests autonomous delivery and advanced automation. Early results show order times around 60 seconds and completion rates near 90%.
    But 345 stores can only generate so much revenue, no matter how efficient. White Castle frozen sliders are now in all 50 states. They don't break out retail vs restaurant sales, but nationwide grocery distribution suggests the grocery side could be a meaningful slice of total revenue.
    They've essentially franchised their product, not their restaurants.
    Most legacy chains went all-in on real estate and used grocery products as a side hustle. White Castle inverted that: stayed a 345-unit regional chain and pushed the product into all 50 states.
    The founding family has run the company for 104 years under the same private ownership. They've preserved the brand, maintained standards, and built a cult following while choosing a very different path than their competitors.
    White Castle didn't fail. They've survived over a century and posted industry-leading margins.
    Business model choices compound more than operational decisions. You can be the most efficient operator in the industry. But if you choose a different model than your competitors, efficiency alone won't bridge the scale gap.
    White Castle helped invent fast food. They just chose not to scale it
    the conventional way.
    Top 500
    White Castle
    Facebook
    Twitter
    LinkedIn
    Technomic's Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report ranks the
    highest-grossing brands in the U.S. Explore the data to see how the
    biggest chains fared in 2024.

    Top 500 Year 2025
    2024 U.S. Sales ($000,000) $651
    2024 U.S. Units 340
    Menu Category Burger

    They failed in every single foreign market. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Castle_(restaurant)#International_activities


    The absolute gold standard contrarian indicator!
    I love them for being family-owned 'Murican to their core.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From cranberry transformer@ct@in.valid to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Sat Aug 15 16:30:39 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Sat, 15 Aug 2026 17:03:37 -0500
    Bryan Simmons <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:
    On 8/15/2026 10:47 AM, KenitoBenito wrote:
    On Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:39:32 -0700, KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:59:48 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/13/2026 4:49 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:
    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:14:29 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:44:39 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us >>>>>>>

    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by >>>>>>> sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple
    ingredients for a menu that has remained consistent since
    1948. Fans rave about the friendly service, and the nostalgic
    drive-thru experience. Whether yourCOre a first-timer or a
    lifelong fan, thererCOs something undeniably satisfying about
    pulling up to an In-N-Out and ordering a Double-Double and
    Animal Style french fries (topped with their secret sauce,
    grilled onions, and cheese).
    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the
    pigs.

    All of us are happy it repulses you, since it makes the line
    much shorter.

    Meanwhile over at the White Castle...

    White Castle customers are dying off faster than they are being
    replaced.

    Wrong, as I suspect you usually are.

    Bryan has proved he is not one to allow reality to interfere
    with his claims. So long as he can express how bitter he is with
    life, he's fine with it.

    They are closing more locations than they are opening. Their parking
    lots look emptier than a decade ago, and the same for the drive
    thrus.
    Nope. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bypoddar_white-castle-generates-7206-million-annually-activity-7416844851515899904-18da
    White Castle generates $720.6 million annually. McDonald's does that in 2 days. White Castle pioneered fast food in 1921: standardized operations, assembly-line kitchens, the works. They have 345 stores today. McDonald's started 19 years later and has 39,000+ locations.
    The gap reveals what happens when you choose control over scale.
    They've never franchised. Every location is company-owned and operated. When McDonald's embraced franchising in the 1950s, they exploded from a regional chain to a national powerhouse within a decade.
    White Castle stayed regional.
    The structural differences show:
    rCo Only about 30% of White Castle locations have drive-thrus
    rCo Drive-thru accounts for 70%+ of sales at most major burger chains
    rCo White Castle operates at a fundamental disadvantage in today's market
    White Castle leans into late-night, value sliders, and urban locations with limited drive-thru access. Different format, different economics.
    White Castle posted a 35.1% profit margin in 2024. They're more profitable as a percentage than most chains 10x their size.
    Part of that margin comes from mix: a national grocery products business (frozen sliders) sitting alongside their restaurant operations. But it's also extreme operational discipline.
    For a sub-$1B chain, White Castle invests heavily in tech: 100+ AI drive-thrus, dozens of Flippy robots, autonomous delivery pilots. Most brands don't invest like that until they have thousands of units.
    Their "Castle of Tomorrow" prototype tests autonomous delivery and advanced automation. Early results show order times around 60 seconds and completion rates near 90%.
    But 345 stores can only generate so much revenue, no matter how efficient. White Castle frozen sliders are now in all 50 states. They don't break out retail vs restaurant sales, but nationwide grocery distribution suggests the grocery side could be a meaningful slice of total revenue.
    They've essentially franchised their product, not their restaurants.
    Most legacy chains went all-in on real estate and used grocery products as a side hustle. White Castle inverted that: stayed a 345-unit regional chain and pushed the product into all 50 states.
    The founding family has run the company for 104 years under the same private ownership. They've preserved the brand, maintained standards, and built a cult following while choosing a very different path than their competitors.
    White Castle didn't fail. They've survived over a century and posted industry-leading margins.
    Business model choices compound more than operational decisions. You can be the most efficient operator in the industry. But if you choose a different model than your competitors, efficiency alone won't bridge the scale gap.
    White Castle helped invent fast food. They just chose not to scale it
    the conventional way.
    It's a death spiral.

    'Fraid not, old timer.

    They don't release data like same store sales, but it's obvious to
    those who live near one, and drive past closed locations.
    See above.
    35.1% profit margin.
    Basta.
    There are locations that are closing, but this is due to
    increase real estate values. It's more profitable to sell the land
    to developers. There is nothing to suggest the number of customers
    is declining.

    https://www.thestreet.com/restaurants/white-castle-burger-chain-closes-restaurant

    I find it amusing that one location is now a KFC. So long as
    White Castle made money on the sale, I doubt anyone is worried.

    If a KFC is more viable than a WC, that says a lot.

    Not really.
    Is KFC family-owned?
    You are just winging it here.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From KlausSchadenfreude@klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Sun Aug 16 04:54:58 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Sat, 15 Aug 2026 16:24:11 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/15/2026 10:52 AM, cranberry transformer wrote:
    On Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:39:32 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:59:48 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/13/2026 4:49 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:
    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:14:29 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:44:39 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us >>>>>>>>

    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by >>>>>>>> sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients >>>>>>>> for a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave
    about the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru
    experience. Whether youAre a first-timer or a lifelong fan,
    thereAs something undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an >>>>>>>> In-N-Out and ordering a Double-Double and Animal Style french
    fries (topped with their secret sauce, grilled onions, and
    cheese).
    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the
    pigs.

    All of us are happy it repulses you, since it makes the line much
    shorter.


    Meanwhile over at the White Castle...

    White Castle customers are dying off faster than they are being
    replaced.

    Wrong, as I suspect you usually are.

    Bryan ha sit in for boomers...


    It's a death spiral.

    'Fraid not, old timer.

    Not even close:

    https://whitecastle.com/about-us/press-releases/Night%20Castle
    The Data Is In

    In April, White Castle conducted a survey through a third-party online survey platform and found that 83% of respondents like to eat fast-food following a night out. In a separate survey of Cravers conducted a month later, 80% of respondents said that White Castle is the best fast-food brand for making late-night memories and is worth going the extra mile to satisfy their late-night cravings.

    oThe survey results confirm that weAre making the right decision to strengthen White CastleAs standing as the go-to after-hours scene for great food,o said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle. oWe want to be the place where people go at night to satisfy their late-night cravings.o

    Their drive thrus have more than their share of drunk drivers after the
    bars close.>

    Irrelevant. NEXT!

    Investments in Night Castle

    Toward this end, White Castles are staying open later. Nearly 70% of the restaurants are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many of the remaining ones are open well past midnight on weekdays and 24/7 on the weekends. White Castle has ramped up its hiring to accommodate the longer hours.

    https://www.whitecastle.com/about-us/press-releases/6-billion

    At the turn of the century, they were all 24 hours, and closed only on >Christmas Day.>

    Irrelevant. NEXT!

    The retail division of the family-owned business sold its 6th billionth retail Slider at the end of 2021 and achieved record sales last year. In fact, 20% of its total historic sales have come in the past three years alone. The division is poised for continued growth as it celebrates its 35th anniversary and expands its manufacturing capacity in 2022.

    oRetail sales have grown steadily since we launched the division in 1987, but they have really taken off in the past decade and even more so the past few years,o said Tiffany Carreker, general manager and vice president of sales for White CastleAs retail division. oOur Cravers love our Sliders, whether theyAre made at a restaurant or purchased from the freezer section at their local store.o

    People buy those frozen ones. I can't imagine doing that.

    Nobody gives a fuck what you can or can't imagine.

    They failed in every single foreign market.

    Irrelevant. NEXT!

    Oh, that's all?

    Laugh laugh laugh laugh.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From KlausSchadenfreude@klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Sun Aug 16 04:55:47 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Sat, 15 Aug 2026 08:47:02 -0700, KenitoBenito <Kenito@Benito.too>
    wrote:

    On Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:39:32 -0700, KlausSchadenfreude ><klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:59:48 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/13/2026 4:49 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:
    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:14:29 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:44:39 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us >>>>>>>

    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by
    sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients for >>>>>>> a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave about
    the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru experience.
    Whether youAre a first-timer or a lifelong fan, thereAs something >>>>>>> undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an In-N-Out and ordering >>>>>>> a Double-Double and Animal Style french fries (topped with their >>>>>>> secret sauce, grilled onions, and cheese).
    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the pigs. >>>>>
    All of us are happy it repulses you, since it makes the line much
    shorter.

    Meanwhile over at the White Castle...

    White Castle customers are dying off faster than they are being >>>replaced.

    Wrong, as I suspect you usually are.

    Bryan has proved he is not one to allow reality to interfere with
    his claims. So long as he can express how bitter he is with life, he's
    fine with it.

    AS long as it keeps him out of line at the White Castle, that can only
    be a good thing.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From KlausSchadenfreude@klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Sun Aug 16 04:57:07 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Sat, 15 Aug 2026 17:03:37 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    They are closing more locations than they are opening. Their parking
    lots look emptier than a decade ago, and the same for the drive thrus.>>

    The one I went to last month had a full parking lot and a long line.
    So your anecdotal evidence means zero
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From KenitoBenito@Kenito@Benito.too to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Sun Aug 16 05:02:14 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Sat, 15 Aug 2026 17:03:37 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/15/2026 10:47 AM, KenitoBenito wrote:
    On Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:39:32 -0700, KlausSchadenfreude
    <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:59:48 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/13/2026 4:49 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:
    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:14:29 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:44:39 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us >>>>>>>>
    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by >>>>>>>> sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients for >>>>>>>> a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave about >>>>>>>> the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru experience. >>>>>>>> Whether youAre a first-timer or a lifelong fan, thereAs something >>>>>>>> undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an In-N-Out and ordering >>>>>>>> a Double-Double and Animal Style french fries (topped with their >>>>>>>> secret sauce, grilled onions, and cheese).
    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the pigs. >>>>>>
    All of us are happy it repulses you, since it makes the line much
    shorter.

    Meanwhile over at the White Castle...

    White Castle customers are dying off faster than they are being
    replaced.

    Wrong, as I suspect you usually are.

    Bryan has proved he is not one to allow reality to interfere with
    his claims. So long as he can express how bitter he is with life, he's
    fine with it.

    They are closing more locations than they are opening. Their parking
    lots look emptier than a decade ago, and the same for the drive thrus.

    White Castle is selling the properties. It's more profitable. But
    that's reality, and you can't express how angry you are with life if
    you allow reality to be a factor.


    It's a death spiral.

    'Fraid not, old timer.

    They don't release data like same store sales, but it's obvious to those
    who live near one, and drive past closed locations.>

    Those that are open are doing very well. Certainly the ones I see
    in LA during the day. Since I sleep at night, I can't comment on how
    they are fairing at those times. I would presume, in the absence of
    countering evidence, that they are doing as well as expected.
    As has been shown, the closures are NOT the result of low sales,
    but real estate prices.

    There are locations that are closing, but this is due to increase
    real estate values. It's more profitable to sell the land to
    developers. There is nothing to suggest the number of customers is
    declining.

    https://www.thestreet.com/restaurants/white-castle-burger-chain-closes-restaurant

    I find it amusing that one location is now a KFC. So long as
    White Castle made money on the sale, I doubt anyone is worried.

    If a KFC is more viable than a WC, that says a lot.

    It says someone was willing to pay White Castle for the land to
    operate a KFC.
    As the article shows, the closings are due to the land being
    sold. You did read it, right? Or do you really fear losing your
    ability to express how pissed off with life too much?
    --
    With great reflexes comes great response ability.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From KenitoBenito@Kenito@Benito.too to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Sun Aug 16 05:03:07 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Sat, 15 Aug 2026 16:25:09 -0600, cranberry transformer
    <ct@in.valid> wrote:

    [...]

    It's a death spiral.

    'Fraid not, old timer.

    Not even close:

    https://whitecastle.com/about-us/press-releases/Night%20Castle
    The Data Is In

    In April, White Castle conducted a survey through a third-party
    online survey platform and found that 83% of respondents like to
    eat fast-food following a night out. In a separate survey of
    Cravers conducted a month later, 80% of respondents said that White
    Castle is the best fast-food brand for making late-night memories
    and is worth going the extra mile to satisfy their late-night
    cravings.

    oThe survey results confirm that weAre making the right decision to
    strengthen White CastleAs standing as the go-to after-hours scene
    for great food,o said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White
    Castle. oWe want to be the place where people go at night to
    satisfy their late-night cravings.o

    Their drive thrus have more than their share of drunk drivers after
    the bars close.>
    Investments in Night Castle

    Toward this end, White Castles are staying open later. Nearly 70%
    of the restaurants are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many
    of the remaining ones are open well past midnight on weekdays and
    24/7 on the weekends. White Castle has ramped up its hiring to
    accommodate the longer hours.

    https://www.whitecastle.com/about-us/press-releases/6-billion

    At the turn of the century, they were all 24 hours, and closed only
    on Christmas Day.>

    What's old is new again.


    I don't know if any of the local locations are 24 hours. I long
    ago ceased the late night White Castle run.

    The retail division of the family-owned business sold its 6th
    billionth retail Slider at the end of 2021 and achieved record
    sales last year. In fact, 20% of its total historic sales have come
    in the past three years alone. The division is poised for continued
    growth as it celebrates its 35th anniversary and expands its
    manufacturing capacity in 2022.

    oRetail sales have grown steadily since we launched the division in
    1987, but they have really taken off in the past decade and even
    more so the past few years,o said Tiffany Carreker, general manager
    and vice president of sales for White CastleAs retail division.
    oOur Cravers love our Sliders, whether theyAre made at a restaurant
    or purchased from the freezer section at their local store.o

    People buy those frozen ones. I can't imagine doing that. People have
    shitty taste. They sell fewer hot, fresh burgers, and more frozen
    crap.

    I buy them and they are fine if you have some decent air fryer "nails"
    for them.


    I've not tried the frozen ones. I would expect that, if made
    properly, they would be fine.

    To keep up with the growing demand for its frozen Sliders, White
    Castle broke ground last summer on a major expansion of its retail
    food manufacturing plant in Vandalia, Ohio, near Dayton. The
    company is investing $27 million in the project, which should be
    complete by June. The expansion doubles the size of the plant from
    approximately 75,000 square feet to 150,000 square feet.

    https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/top-500-chains-2025/white-castle >> >
    87 of 250

    Gee. 87th. They are closing more stores than opening new ones.

    They're still making good sales.

    I mean if you consider a 35.1% profit margin as reflective.

    Most would.


    Most aren't seeking out a means of expressing how bitter they are
    with life. This appears to be all Bryan cares about, if his Usenet
    posts are an accurate indication.


    https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bypoddar_white-castle-generates-7206-million-annually-activity-7416844851515899904-18da


    White Castle posted a 35.1% profit margin in 2024. They're more profitable as a percentage than most chains 10x their size.

    [Snip Bryan being PROVED wrong. Again.]

    Maybe we'll get to witness Bryan express his bitterness with you
    proving him wrong. We will have to wait and see.
    --
    If you get a bladder infection, urine trouble.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From KenitoBenito@Kenito@Benito.too to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Sun Aug 16 05:07:00 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Sun, 16 Aug 2026 04:55:47 -0700, KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Sat, 15 Aug 2026 08:47:02 -0700, KenitoBenito <Kenito@Benito.too>
    wrote:

    On Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:39:32 -0700, KlausSchadenfreude >><klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:59:48 -0500, Bryan Simmons >>><bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/13/2026 4:49 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:
    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:14:29 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:44:39 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us >>>>>>>>

    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status by >>>>>>>> sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple ingredients for >>>>>>>> a menu that has remained consistent since 1948. Fans rave about >>>>>>>> the friendly service, and the nostalgic drive-thru experience. >>>>>>>> Whether youAre a first-timer or a lifelong fan, thereAs something >>>>>>>> undeniably satisfying about pulling up to an In-N-Out and ordering >>>>>>>> a Double-Double and Animal Style french fries (topped with their >>>>>>>> secret sauce, grilled onions, and cheese).
    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the pigs. >>>>>>
    All of us are happy it repulses you, since it makes the line much
    shorter.

    Meanwhile over at the White Castle...

    White Castle customers are dying off faster than they are being >>>>replaced.

    Wrong, as I suspect you usually are.

    Bryan has proved he is not one to allow reality to interfere with
    his claims. So long as he can express how bitter he is with life, he's
    fine with it.

    AS long as it keeps him out of line at the White Castle, that can only
    be a good thing.

    Agreed.
    --
    Due to inflation, dirty deeds can no longer be done dirt cheap.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From KenitoBenito@Kenito@Benito.too to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Sun Aug 16 05:08:54 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Sun, 16 Aug 2026 04:57:07 -0700, KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Sat, 15 Aug 2026 17:03:37 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    They are closing more locations than they are opening. Their parking
    lots look emptier than a decade ago, and the same for the drive thrus.>>

    The one I went to last month had a full parking lot and a long line.
    So your anecdotal evidence means zero

    But how else is Bryan expected to express how bitter he is with
    how his life has ended up?
    Did you know a small percentage of WCs even have a drive through?
    So the lack of DT sales is to be expected. But that's reality, and as
    such, something Bryan will ignore.
    --
    What's the most sacrilegious bone?
    The blas-femur!
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From cranberry transformer@ct@in.valid to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Sun Aug 16 10:57:16 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Sun, 16 Aug 2026 04:54:58 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:
    On Sat, 15 Aug 2026 16:24:11 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/15/2026 10:52 AM, cranberry transformer wrote:
    On Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:39:32 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:59:48 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/13/2026 4:49 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:
    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:14:29 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Thu, 13 Aug 2026 06:44:39 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    On 8/12/2026 12:06 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-top-25-burger-chains-in-the-us >>>>>>>>

    . In-N-Out Burger

    A West Coast icon, In-N-Out has earned its legendary status
    by sticking to what it does best: using fresh, simple
    ingredients for a menu that has remained consistent since
    1948. Fans rave about the friendly service, and the
    nostalgic drive-thru experience. Whether yourCOre a
    first-timer or a lifelong fan, thererCOs something undeniably >>>>>>>> satisfying about pulling up to an In-N-Out and ordering a
    Double-Double and Animal Style french fries (topped with
    their secret sauce, grilled onions, and cheese).
    Repulsive sauce. Animal Style must mean good for slopping the
    pigs.

    All of us are happy it repulses you, since it makes the line
    much shorter.


    Meanwhile over at the White Castle...

    White Castle customers are dying off faster than they are being
    replaced.

    Wrong, as I suspect you usually are.

    Bryan ha sit in for boomers...


    It's a death spiral.

    'Fraid not, old timer.

    Not even close:

    https://whitecastle.com/about-us/press-releases/Night%20Castle
    The Data Is In

    In April, White Castle conducted a survey through a third-party
    online survey platform and found that 83% of respondents like to
    eat fast-food following a night out. In a separate survey of
    Cravers conducted a month later, 80% of respondents said that
    White Castle is the best fast-food brand for making late-night
    memories and is worth going the extra mile to satisfy their
    late-night cravings.

    rCLThe survey results confirm that werCOre making the right decision
    to strengthen White CastlerCOs standing as the go-to after-hours
    scene for great food,rCY said Jamie Richardson, vice president at
    White Castle. rCLWe want to be the place where people go at night to
    satisfy their late-night cravings.rCY

    Their drive thrus have more than their share of drunk drivers after
    the bars close.>

    Irrelevant. NEXT!

    Investments in Night Castle

    Toward this end, White Castles are staying open later. Nearly 70%
    of the restaurants are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
    Many of the remaining ones are open well past midnight on weekdays
    and 24/7 on the weekends. White Castle has ramped up its hiring to
    accommodate the longer hours.

    https://www.whitecastle.com/about-us/press-releases/6-billion

    At the turn of the century, they were all 24 hours, and closed only
    on Christmas Day.>

    Irrelevant. NEXT!

    The retail division of the family-owned business sold its 6th
    billionth retail Slider at the end of 2021 and achieved record
    sales last year. In fact, 20% of its total historic sales have
    come in the past three years alone. The division is poised for
    continued growth as it celebrates its 35th anniversary and expands
    its manufacturing capacity in 2022.

    rCLRetail sales have grown steadily since we launched the division
    in 1987, but they have really taken off in the past decade and
    even more so the past few years,rCY said Tiffany Carreker, general
    manager and vice president of sales for White CastlerCOs retail
    division. rCLOur Cravers love our Sliders, whether theyrCOre made at a
    restaurant or purchased from the freezer section at their local
    store.rCY

    People buy those frozen ones. I can't imagine doing that.

    Nobody gives a fuck what you can or can't imagine.

    They failed in every single foreign market.

    Irrelevant. NEXT!

    Oh, that's all?

    Laugh laugh laugh laugh.
    ;-))))
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From cranberry transformer@ct@in.valid to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Sun Aug 16 10:58:22 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Sun, 16 Aug 2026 04:57:07 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Sat, 15 Aug 2026 17:03:37 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    They are closing more locations than they are opening. Their parking
    lots look emptier than a decade ago, and the same for the drive
    thrus.>>

    The one I went to last month had a full parking lot and a long line.
    So your anecdotal evidence means zero

    He's done this before with conflating local St. Louis observations to
    the rest of the nation/region.


    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From cranberry transformer@ct@in.valid to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Sun Aug 16 11:05:41 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Sun, 16 Aug 2026 05:03:07 -0700
    KenitoBenito <Kenito@Benito.too> wrote:
    On Sat, 15 Aug 2026 16:25:09 -0600, cranberry transformer
    <ct@in.valid> wrote:

    [...]

    It's a death spiral.

    'Fraid not, old timer.

    Not even close:

    https://whitecastle.com/about-us/press-releases/Night%20Castle
    The Data Is In

    In April, White Castle conducted a survey through a third-party
    online survey platform and found that 83% of respondents like to
    eat fast-food following a night out. In a separate survey of
    Cravers conducted a month later, 80% of respondents said that
    White Castle is the best fast-food brand for making late-night
    memories and is worth going the extra mile to satisfy their
    late-night cravings.

    rCLThe survey results confirm that werCOre making the right decision
    to strengthen White CastlerCOs standing as the go-to after-hours
    scene for great food,rCY said Jamie Richardson, vice president at
    White Castle. rCLWe want to be the place where people go at night
    to satisfy their late-night cravings.rCY

    Their drive thrus have more than their share of drunk drivers after
    the bars close.>
    Investments in Night Castle

    Toward this end, White Castles are staying open later. Nearly 70%
    of the restaurants are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
    Many of the remaining ones are open well past midnight on
    weekdays and 24/7 on the weekends. White Castle has ramped up
    its hiring to accommodate the longer hours.

    https://www.whitecastle.com/about-us/press-releases/6-billion

    At the turn of the century, they were all 24 hours, and closed only
    on Christmas Day.>

    What's old is new again.


    I don't know if any of the local locations are 24 hours. I long
    ago ceased the late night White Castle run.

    The retail division of the family-owned business sold its 6th
    billionth retail Slider at the end of 2021 and achieved record
    sales last year. In fact, 20% of its total historic sales have
    come in the past three years alone. The division is poised for
    continued growth as it celebrates its 35th anniversary and
    expands its manufacturing capacity in 2022.

    rCLRetail sales have grown steadily since we launched the division
    in 1987, but they have really taken off in the past decade and
    even more so the past few years,rCY said Tiffany Carreker, general
    manager and vice president of sales for White CastlerCOs retail
    division. rCLOur Cravers love our Sliders, whether theyrCOre made at
    a restaurant or purchased from the freezer section at their
    local store.rCY

    People buy those frozen ones. I can't imagine doing that. People
    have shitty taste. They sell fewer hot, fresh burgers, and more
    frozen crap.

    I buy them and they are fine if you have some decent air fryer
    "nails" for them.


    I've not tried the frozen ones. I would expect that, if made
    properly, they would be fine.

    To keep up with the growing demand for its frozen Sliders, White
    Castle broke ground last summer on a major expansion of its
    retail food manufacturing plant in Vandalia, Ohio, near Dayton.
    The company is investing $27 million in the project, which
    should be complete by June. The expansion doubles the size of
    the plant from approximately 75,000 square feet to 150,000
    square feet.

    https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/top-500-chains-2025/white-castle

    87 of 250

    Gee. 87th. They are closing more stores than opening new ones.

    They're still making good sales.

    I mean if you consider a 35.1% profit margin as reflective.

    Most would.


    Most aren't seeking out a means of expressing how bitter they are
    with life. This appears to be all Bryan cares about, if his Usenet
    posts are an accurate indication.


    https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bypoddar_white-castle-generates-7206-million-annually-activity-7416844851515899904-18da


    White Castle posted a 35.1% profit margin in 2024. They're more
    profitable as a percentage than most chains 10x their size.

    [Snip Bryan being PROVED wrong. Again.]

    Maybe we'll get to witness Bryan express his bitterness with you
    proving him wrong. We will have to wait and see.

    Oh goody!
    Should be a blast from the Gateway Arch land.
    Speaking of which, why don't they have a McD's on that site anyway? https://www.nps.gov/jeff/learn/index.htm
    50% branding signature missed right there... https://www.gatewayarch.com/gateway-arch-national-park/arch-cafe/ https://www.tiktok.com/@lukefoods/video/7580417098422275359
    Meanwhile years back in a mooring nearby: https://www.facebook.com/groups/522520461119490/posts/25097229363221925/
    And today: https://www.gatewayarch.com/hold-your-anchors-the-floating-mcdonalds-is-coming-back-to-st-louis/
    Disclaimer: This is an April FoolsrCO joke.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Ed P@esp@snet.n to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Sun Aug 16 15:25:52 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On 8/16/2026 1:05 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    Meanwhile years back in a mooring nearby:

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/522520461119490/posts/25097229363221925/


    I forgot about that. We were out there for the second time in 1981 and
    it was open. There were a couple of boats nearby.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From cranberry transformer@ct@in.valid to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Sun Aug 16 13:46:49 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Sun, 16 Aug 2026 15:25:52 -0400
    Ed P <esp@snet.n> wrote:

    On 8/16/2026 1:05 PM, cranberry transformer wrote:


    Meanwhile years back in a mooring nearby:

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/522520461119490/posts/25097229363221925/


    I forgot about that. We were out there for the second time in 1981
    and it was open. There were a couple of boats nearby.

    How McD's let that get away...must have needed a lot of bilge work...

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1Vnj4jmqRGc?feature=share

    MvBarge!

    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Bryan Simmons@bryangsimmons@gmail.com to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Sun Aug 16 17:37:46 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On 8/16/2026 11:58 AM, cranberry transformer wrote:
    On Sun, 16 Aug 2026 04:57:07 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Sat, 15 Aug 2026 17:03:37 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    They are closing more locations than they are opening. Their parking
    lots look emptier than a decade ago, and the same for the drive
    thrus.>>

    The one I went to last month had a full parking lot and a long line.
    So your anecdotal evidence means zero

    He's done this before with conflating local St. Louis observations to
    the rest of the nation/region.

    We do travel, so it's not all StL observations. Here's an example far
    from StL--Murfreesboro, TN. There was once a WC and a Krystal. Only the Krystal is still open. The closest WC location is in Nashville, where 3
    of the 5 locations have closed.

    Kansas City? All locations closed. Las Vegas? Two of the five just
    closed. Chicago, 5 locations recently closed. Zero recently opened. If
    they aren't already earning more from the frozen ones than the freshly
    cooked ones--aimed at the diaspora--they will be soon.

    Those of us who loved them from childhood love them, but we're dying off.
    --
    --Bryan https://www.instagram.com/bryangsimmons/

    For your safety and protection, this sig. has been thoroughly
    tested on laboratory animals.

    "Most of the food described here is nauseating.
    We're just too courteous to say so."
    -- Cindy Hamilton
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From cranberry transformer@ct@in.valid to rec.food.cooking,alt.food.fast-food on Sun Aug 16 16:51:03 2026
    From Newsgroup: alt.food.fast-food

    On Sun, 16 Aug 2026 17:37:46 -0500
    Bryan Simmons <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:
    On 8/16/2026 11:58 AM, cranberry transformer wrote:
    On Sun, 16 Aug 2026 04:57:07 -0700
    KlausSchadenfreude <klaus.schadenfreudeREMOVE@gmail.com> wrote:

    On Sat, 15 Aug 2026 17:03:37 -0500, Bryan Simmons
    <bryangsimmons@gmail.com> wrote:

    They are closing more locations than they are opening. Their
    parking lots look emptier than a decade ago, and the same for the
    drive thrus.>>

    The one I went to last month had a full parking lot and a long
    line. So your anecdotal evidence means zero

    He's done this before with conflating local St. Louis observations
    to the rest of the nation/region.

    We do travel, so it's not all StL observations. Here's an example far
    from StL--Murfreesboro, TN. There was once a WC and a Krystal. Only
    the Krystal is still open. The closest WC location is in Nashville,
    where 3 of the 5 locations have closed.
    And so was it a real estate play?
    Because a 35.1% profit margin wasn't the cause.

    Kansas City? All locations closed. Las Vegas? Two of the five just
    closed.
    WC is not a western states play, so...
    You do know Vegas is in the shits now after courting whales and chasing
    away the masses, yeah? https://www.franchiseempire.com/articles/white-castle-franchise
    White CastlerCOs dedication to being a family-owned business prioritizing quality over aggressive growth has kept the brand unique in the fast-food space. In recent years, the company has entered new markets like Florida, Arizona, and Shanghai, China, maintaining its cult-like following.
    Key Takeaways

    White Castle operates 350 restaurants across 15 U.S. states, with the highest concentration in Illinois (59 locations).
    White Castle does not franchise, ensuring strict quality control by
    keeping operations close to supply facilities.
    (never outrun your supply chain - same holds for also privately held In
    & Out)
    As of March 2024, White Castle operates 350 restaurants in the U.S., primarily in the Midwest. The company averages 10 new openings annually, with recent expansions into:
    Arizona: A location in Scottsdale marks White CastlerCOs first move into the western U.S.
    Florida: The largest White Castle restaurant, located in Orlando, opened recently.
    China: Two popular locations in Shanghai highlight the brandrCOs international appeal.
    Pros and Cons of White CastlerCOs Business Model
    Pros:
    Strong brand loyalty with a dedicated customer base.
    High-quality products backed by proximity to supply facilities.
    Cultural relevance and unique market positioning.
    Cons:
    Limited expansion due to a non-franchise model.
    Concentrated geographic presence, primarily in the Midwest.
    Slow growth rate compared to other fast-food chains.
    (I feel like you're apple/oranges here. You can't reasonably comp them
    to publicly traded franshsies like BK or Jack.)
    Chicago, 5 locations recently closed. Zero recently opened.
    If they aren't already earning more from the frozen ones than the
    freshly cooked ones--aimed at the diaspora--they will be soon.

    Those of us who loved them from childhood love them, but we're dying
    off.
    I disagree.
    So does GooGoo's AI:
    is white castle growing or contracting?
    White Castle is growing, though
    its trajectory is defined by a slow, highly deliberate expansion of
    brick-and-mortar restaurants alongside rapid acceleration in its
    retail grocery and automated kiosk divisions. As a privately held,
    family-owned business that does not franchise in the United States,
    the company avoids the explosive physical footprint growth of its
    competitors, opting instead for strategic high-impact regional moves
    and technological innovation.
    --- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2