“Whenever we go looking for new locations, we try to be very thorough. With the turnout here today, it’s very apparent that we picked a good spot. The support of this community is fantastic. This is a historic event for us. There’s no place we’d rather be. We are very grateful to be part of the South Lebanon community,” Rife said.
The event marked several firsts for the village and for the restaurant. White Castle is celebrating its 90th birthday, its first ever site dedication and it’s first groundbreaking in Warren County. South Lebanon is celebrating its first groundbreaking for a restaurant in Rivers Crossing at Ohio 48 and Grandin Road.
As hundreds of people lined up for burgers prepared by White Castle Columbus-based family members and staff who worked a special facility set up at the dedication site, South Lebanon resident Wanda Robbins was served the first slider off the grill.
“She encouraged White Castle to come to South Lebanon. So here we are. Her wish came true,” said Chris Ciancanelli, White Castle regional director of restaurant operations. “When we first came to South Lebanon, we were welcomed with open arms. No community has welcomed us like this and today’s celebration is proof of that. I would recommend any company thinking about expanding to take a second look, a real good look, at South Lebanon. The people here really do want us here. We’re looking forward to many years of being part of the South Lebanon community.”
Said Robbins in between bites of her burger, “I told the mayor we needed a White Castle here, and, I told him I wanted the first one. They’re good. I love them.”
Jamie Richardson, vice president White Castle government and shareholder relations, applauded village officials for their “pioneering spirit” in encouraging growth. Singling out South Lebanon Mayor James Smith, Richardson said the mayor’s “pioneering spirit is built around building a better future for our children and our children’s children.”
Making a brief statement, Smith noted, “Our priority has always been to create jobs in the community. This (White Castle) is a fine company that’s going to bring many jobs here and help to continue the growth of our community. Our projection is to bring eight new businesses in, this year. So far, we are on track.”
Construction of the South Lebanon White Castle dine-in and take-out restaurant, to be located at Ohio 48 and Corwin Nixon Boulevard, should be completed and open for business by summer, according to officials.
About the Author