Royal Castle (restaurant chain)

Royal Castle - Westgate Miami FL, front bollards

Royal Castle was an American regional fast food restaurant chain, which operated primarily in the Miami, Florida area, from the 1950s through the 1970s. Known for its small, square hamburgers similar to those of White Castle, Royal Castle was a beloved part of South Florida's culinary history. The chain also served birch beer, a type of soft drink, in frosted mugs. At its peak, Royal Castle operated dozens of locations across Florida and expanded into other states, including Georgia and Ohio.

History

Royal Castle was founded in Miami, Florida, in the mid-1950s by William Singer. It quickly became popular for its 15-cent hamburgers and 24-hour service, catering to the late-night crowd as well as to families. The restaurants were typically small, with limited seating, and many locations were designed for take-out or drive-thru service only.

During the 1960s, Royal Castle expanded rapidly, at one point boasting over 150 locations. However, by the late 1970s, the chain began to decline in the face of stiff competition from national fast food chains such as McDonald's and Burger King. The oil crisis and changing consumer tastes also contributed to the chain's difficulties.

In the 1980s, most Royal Castle locations had closed or been converted to other uses. A few independently operated locations remained open, keeping the Royal Castle name and menu alive. As of the early 21st century, only a handful of these restaurants still exist, serving as nostalgic reminders of the chain's heyday.

Menu

Royal Castle's menu was centered around its signature small, square hamburgers, which were often ordered by the dozen. These were accompanied by birch beer served in frosted mugs, a unique offering that set Royal Castle apart from its competitors. The menu also included breakfast items, coffee, and a variety of other fast food staples.

Legacy

Despite its decline, Royal Castle has left a lasting legacy in South Florida. It is remembered fondly by locals who grew up with the brand and is often cited in discussions about Miami's culinary history. The remaining Royal Castle locations continue to attract customers seeking a taste of the past, and the brand enjoys a cult following among fast food aficionados.

See Also

• White Castle
• Fast food in the United States
• History of Miami