COLUMBUS – Thirteen people whose “devotion and love” for White Castle sliders is unmatched were belatedly inducted into the Columbus-based burger chain’s Cravers Hall of Fame.
Membership in the hall is reserved for those whose passion for White Castle’s square “belly boms” is worthy of recognition.
The ceremony is usually held in February at White Castle’s Columbus headquarters but it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and held virtually Wednesday night.
Among the inductees was Thomas Perri, of Maple Grove, Minn., who runs marathons, survived cancer, and has eaten at over 150 White Castles. Perri says he eats at White Castle whenever he completes a marathon and has run at least one a month for 534 consecutive months.
Dick Sorenson, of Columbus, was inducted, along with his daughter and grandson (pictured, right).
Sorenson purchased 400 sliders for the guests at daughter Barbara’s wedding reception in 2002 and introduced her son, Sean, to the little burgers.
In addition to getting recognition at the ceremony and a commemorative plaque, for the first time their stories will be featured on the restaurant’s newly-designed packaging, which will be introduced in early 2022 to celebrate this year’s 100th anniversary of white Castle’s founding.
Since the Hall of Fame’s start in 2001, a total of 262 inductees have been honored.
A “Craver in Extremis” category recognizes public figures, celebrities and pop icons, which now includes 2020 inductee Adam Richman as well as actor Richard Dreyfuss, rocker Alice Cooper, Kal Penn and John Cho – stars of the film Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle — and the late Stan Lee.