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America's Oldest Fast-Food Chain Is Canceling This Beloved Tradition

The burger slinger won't be hosting its long-running "fine dining" experience.

If your idea of a perfect Valentine's Day outing includes being wined and dined by a beloved fast-food chain, you may be out of luck. The Omicron variant has thrown a wrench in this traditionally major night for restaurants, and America's oldest fast-food chain has already announced it will be canceling its big celebration of the holiday this year.

For more fast-food news, check out 8 Worst Fast-Food Burgers to Stay Away From Right Now.

White Castle said in a press release that it has chosen to forego its traditional in-Castle Valentine's Day dinner, an in-person event that turns the chain's restaurants into "fine dining establishments complete with hostess seating, tableside service, and festive holiday décor."

"We had hoped to take reservations this year, but out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our customers and team members, we decided the best thing to do is shift our focus to an experience that customers can take with them," said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle.

The chain has been hosting the fancy fast-food experience since 1991 and has become quite a popular destination on the most romantic night of the year. In 2018, for example, it received some 30,000 V-Day reservations on Open Table.

Richardson confirmed the chain plans to bring the tradition back as soon as possible. "Next year, though, we have every intention of bringing back the in-Castle dining for the biggest Valentine's Day yet!"

white castle valentine's day meal deal
Courtesy of White Castle

And just because you won't be able to sit in a dimly lit, decked-out White Castle dining room doesn't mean you can't nab a Valentine's Day deal from the chain. The Love Cube meal for two will become available for one day only on February 14. It'll go for $14.99 in most markets and include eight Cheese Sliders, two small soft drinks, and a choice of two shareable sides. Plus, customers will be able to add a new strawberry swirl cheesecake on a stick to their order.

Delivery will be free on Valentine's Day for all orders of $15 or more.

Mura Dominko
Mura is ETNT's Executive Editor, leading the coverage of America's favorite restaurant chains, grocery stores, and viral food moments. Read more about Mura