Florida is getting the Crave in a giant means. White Fort has introduced that no less than two extra areas — Daytona Seashore and Kissimmee — shall be becoming a member of the already profitable Orlando and Clermont eating places. That makes 4 Castles in Florida, a quantity unthinkable just some years in the past when the model had been absent from the state for greater than half a century.
The New Castles
The Kissimmee restaurant, at O-City West, will open earlier than Daytona Seashore. In the meantime, the Daytona Seashore Fort is ready for summer season 2026 at 1944 LPGA Boulevard (between Circle Ok and Dunkin’). This one shall be inbuilt White Fort’s fashionable “neighborhood prototype” model, full with indoor/out of doors seating, two drive-thru lanes, and jobs for over 70 locals.
Jamie T. Richardson, White Fort VP, mentioned it finest:
“This dedication marks the following thrilling step in our Florida growth. Our Orlando and Clermont Castles have been embraced with open arms, and we will’t wait to deliver our beloved sliders to Daytona Seashore. Generally known as ‘The World’s Most Well-known Seashore’ and a part of Florida’s Enjoyable Coast, Daytona’s vibrant, rising group is an ideal match for our fun-loving, customer-centric model.”
White Fort’s Return to Florida
The world’s largest White Fort opened in Orlando in Could 2021, the primary Florida location since 1968. A second adopted in Clermont in 2024. These two proved Florida was prepared for the Crave. Now, Daytona Seashore and Kissimmee are the logical subsequent steps in satisfying that urge for food.
There’ve been rumors of an excellent bigger location close to Common’s Epic Universe, however the firm says no concrete plans exist but. For now, the official growth rely stands at 4.
White Fort in Miami – 1958 (Deeper Dive)
Every time I point out that White Fort existed in Miami, most individuals assume I’m mixing it up with Royal Fort. I’m not.
In response to By the Sackful (the chain’s official historical past), founder Billy Ingram retired to Miami in 1958 and constructed three Castles there. These weren’t cookie-cutter builds, they had been futuristic, with space-age design, glittering glass partitions, and sharp fashionable angles that matched the period’s smooth burger chains.
It didn’t final. Provide chain complications and distribution inefficiencies led to the closure of Florida operations by 1967.
Right here’s what I’ve confirmed in archives:
- North Miami Seashore – 1199 N. Miami Seashore Blvd. (NE 163rd St.)
- Miami – 2698 West Flagler Avenue
- Workplace/Warehouse – 3250 NW thirty eighth Avenue (this would possibly’ve been the “third Fort” referenced in By the Sackful)
My discover: a November 12, 1958, newspaper article saying White Fort’s growth into Miami, together with the workplace/warehouse tackle. Even higher? 1960 images of the Miami Castles—one of the best artifacts I’ve unearthed after sifting by hours of microfilm.
The Cravemobile Returns – 2015
After practically 50 years away, White Fort made a spectacular, albeit temporary, return in 2015 through its Cravemobile, the cell slider machine rolled into each Miami and Orlando.
I had a hand in coordinating the Miami cease, one thing the Miami New Occasions coated with glee of their “Welcome Again to Miami White Fort Social gathering” function. My unwavering ask: to be the primary one in line. The reward? A Crave Case of 30 sliders, which now takes a spot of honor in my Burger Museum assortment.
The place to Discover a White Fort in Florida
For now, your choices are:
- Orlando – 11595 Daryl Carter Parkway (World’s Largest White Fort)
- Clermont – 4551 Collina Terrace
- Kissimmee – O-City West (opening earlier than Daytona)
- Daytona Seashore – 1944 LPGA Boulevard (opening summer season 2026)
(Hit up whitecastle.com/areas to scope out the remainder of the U.S.)
A Burger Beast’s Perspective
What does all this imply for me? Lots. I’m a large fan of White Fort, particularly the Jalapeño Cheese Sliders. Positive, I can seize a frozen field at Walmart, however nothing compares to sitting in an precise White Fort or pulling by the drive-thru for a scorching sack of sliders.
I used to be there for the groundbreaking in Orlando again in 2019, and I’ve been following this Florida saga since their Cravemobile excursions in 2015. And don’t overlook, White Fort already made Miami historical past as soon as within the Nineteen Fifties.
The Orlando Fort is just not solely the largest on the planet, but additionally one of many few areas to serve the fresh-beef 1921 Slider. When you haven’t ordered one but, you’re lacking out. Additionally they provide the Crave Pallet, which is a feast of sliders designed for sharing (or not).
The truth that White Fort is continuous to increase in Florida is proof that the gamble paid off. Orlando and Clermont welcomed them with open arms, and now Daytona Seashore and Kissimmee are subsequent in line.
Let’s hope a Fort finally heads even additional south, sure, I’m speaking Miami. Till then, Florida is formally a White Fort state once more.