A White Castle location in Queens that had been operating since 1939 closed its doors on Wednesday, ending nearly 87 years of continuous service in the borough. The fast-food restaurant, situated on 57th Avenue in Elmhurst, was sold, with plans likely underway to redevelop the site into an apartment building, according to the establishment’s manager, Elsa Lima.

A banner displayed outside the building confirmed the closure and encouraged customers to visit nearby White Castle locations in Brooklyn and Sunnyside. Observations from Tuesday evening indicated the dining area was largely empty, containing only a large soda machine and some kitchen equipment.

White Castle, a family-owned company that manages more than 25 outlets across New York, cited the rising value of the Elmhurst property as the primary reason for the sale. Jamie Richardson, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer, explained that increasing real estate prices made it financially prudent to entertain offers from prospective buyers.

The closure has elicited a strong response from local residents who regarded the restaurant as a longstanding local institution. Elmhurst resident James McMenamin described the event as “the end of an era,” noting that the location had been a “familiar, recognizable spot” that symbolized a sense of nostalgia amid the rapid changes reshaping Queens Boulevard.

As the neighborhood continues to evolve, the loss of the White Castle site reflects broader trends in urban redevelopment and shifting commercial landscapes in New York City.