After months of work, the renovations to the White Castle at 213-17 Northern Blvd. in Bayside have finally been completed. The restaurant’s dining room, which had been closed off to the public throughout much of the process, is now open and already getting plenty of use.
According to a White Castle spokesperson, the construction was completed on July 18. White Castle hopes all this work creates a more enjoyable and convenient experience for the customers, both in the restaurant and at the drive-thru.
As a result of all the work being completed, this White Castle is back to being open 24 hours a day. The drive-thru will remain open, as it had been throughout the majority of the construction period.
Renovation work on this location began on April 3. Much of the work involved the restaurant’s dining room, which has been updated to make those dining in more comfortable. Other work from this project included renovations to the exterior of the building. Additionally, a new walk-in freezer was added to go along with moderate work to the kitchen. The renovation work was performed by Global Construction.
While the drive-thru remained open when the bulk of the work was being done on the dining room and the dining room became open while the drive-thru was being worked on, there was a point where both had to be closed. During the final stage of renovations, the restaurant remained closed entirely while the finishing touches were being added.
Some customers have already noticed a difference in the experience there now compared to before the renovations. Considering the fact that this location has stood there since 1932, many local residents are aware of its constant presence within the community.
“I’m glad to see it brand new,” Bayside resident Kristen Clementi said. “A lot of people know of that White Castle.”
Others within the community who had not yet seen the newly renovated interior expressed their interest in going and seeing it for themselves. Others who have since gone spoke highly of the convenience of the restaurant now being completely open.
“I got three sliders there the other night,” Bayside resident Chris Renner said. “It’s nice to be able to walk in after 11:30 p.m.”
When work on the renovations first began on April 3, White Castle estimated that the project would take 13 weeks to complete. It ended up taking just over 15 weeks for all the work to be done, finishing on July 18 rather than July 3. Still, Bayside residents have been showing up en masse to eat there.
