ST. PAUL, MN – An era has come to an end in the Twin Cities as White Castle permanently closed its doors at 1120 University Ave W in St. Paul, ending nearly nine decades of continuous service.
The landmark restaurant, which originally opened in 1937, was one of the oldest operating locations for the historic fast-food giant.
The Multi-Million Dollar Real Estate Deal
According to official state filings, White Castle sold the property for $2.1 million to SLSL Properties on June 30, 2026. Because the chain typically owns rather than franchises its real estate, high land values play a major role in their business decisions.
While the buyer has not officially disclosed its plans for the University Avenue lot, a similar Minneapolis location sold to the same buyer in 2024 was eventually turned into a KFC.
A Trend of Closures Across the Country
This St. Paul shutdown is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader trend of closures for the slider pioneer in 2026. Other notable locations closed this year include:
- Elmhurst, New York: Closed on June 24 on 57th Ave in Queens.
- Las Vegas Strip, Nevada: Closed on March 30 inside the Casino Royale.
- Henderson, Nevada: Closed on March 30 on Marks Street.
- Cypress Hills, New York: Closed in January on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn.
Rising real estate values, redevelopment plans, and high operating costs have prompted the company to sell older locations that no longer fit its long-term operating strategy.
Where to Find Sliders Nearby
While this closure leaves University Avenue without a White Castle for the first time in a century, local “Cravers” can still find the chain’s famous square sliders at nearby St. Paul locations:
- 505 Rice St., St. Paul
- 1601 White Bear Ave., St. Paul
- 4515 S. Robert Trail, Inver Grove Heights
