Cars were lined up and down the street and customers were packed inside the first White Castle in Lake County for its grand opening.
White Castle officially held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new location at 4551 Collina Terrace in Clermont on Tuesday morning at 9 a.m.
The new restaurant, which has indoor seating for 42, outdoor seating for 14, and two drive-through lanes, was filled with customers on opening day.
During a visit at noon on Tuesday, Leesburg-News.com noted that every parking space was filled, the interior dining room had dozens of customers, and the dual drive-thru lane was filled with a line of cars that wrapped around the building and lined up along Collina Terrace.
Last week, local media got a sneak peek inside the new restaurant, which is situated across from a Costco within the Plaza Collina development along State Road 50 (Colonial Drive).
White Castle was founded over 100 years ago by E.W. “Billy” Ingram. On Tuesday, Lisa Ingram, a fourth-generation family member, was present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony in Clermont.
“You could say our Clermont Castle has been more than 100 years in the making,” said Ingram. “We’re humbled by the enthusiasm of our fans and honored to be part of this incredible community. At White Castle, our mission is to create memorable moments every day—and today is certainly one of them.”
Clermont Mayor Tim Murry also spoke during the ceremony, commenting that the day marked a “significant milestone” for the city.
“Today is a significant milestone for Clermont as we proudly welcome the opening of the second White Castle in the state. This grand opening provides another beloved dining option while fostering growth and creating 75 new jobs for Clermont residents,” said Murry. “We are thrilled to see Clermont thrive and look forward to the delicious memories that will be made at this iconic establishment. Welcome to Clermont and God Bless.”
According to a statement from the company, the restaurant will employ 75 individuals.
During Tuesday’s ceremony, White Castle presented a $5,000 check to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida/South Lake County.
The new White Castle is only the second in the state of Florida, joining one other that opened in Orlando in 2021. After opening the standalone facility in Orlando, White Castle opened a small location next door to handle deliveries and to-go orders.
In 2022, the company reported that its Orlando location was its highest-grossing at the time. Over the past several years, the restaurant, which is the largest free-standing White Castle in the world, has become a top performer among the company’s more than 340 locations.
According to the company, a third freestanding location is planned for Kissimmee’s Old Town Entertainment District.
The White Castle in Clermont is currently open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m., with plans to eventually extend to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Will you try the new White Castle? Share your experiences in a comment or, if you have more to say, write a letter to the editor.