STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — White Castle introduced a totable suitcase called the ‘Crave Clutch’ last August. The colorful carryout box that packs 20 sliders into neat rows is now offered at a limited-time discount.
Customers who order the White Castle Share-A-Meal #9 receive $4 off. Each order contains 20 Original Sliders plus four small French fries in the signature cardboard container. The item must be ordered through Craver Nation in the White Castle app.
“We rolled out the Crave Clutch last August, and it has really appealed to our Cravers. I think they’ve responded so enthusiastically because it’s just the right size to share with a few friends or family members,” said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle. “With the Delta variant increasing, many consumers continue to avoid large get-togethers. So the Crave Clutch remains a perfect solution for smaller groups.”
The new trappings on the burgers debuted last August, the first packaging White Castle had introduced since 2004 when the 100-count Crave Crate rolled out. The Columbus, OH-based company suggests, “Holding 20 Sliders of any variety, the easy-to-carry Crave Clutch sits nicely between the classic 10 Sack and the 30-Slider Crave Case.”
The first White Castle opened in 1921 in Wichita, Kan., selling burgers for five cents each. Staten Island has two outlets — one in Grant City at 2221 Hylan Blvd., the other in Mariners Harbor at 2238 Forest Ave. Both restaurants offer drive-thru.
William Seaquist, center, of Great Kills poses in front of White Castle restaurant in Grant City with family and friends form left: Jamie Lee of Huguenot, daughter Lauren, 16; wife Maureen; father William Seaquist Sr. and his wife Dorothy after he won the Craver Nation sweepstakes and will receive $13,500 in meal credits, or sliders for life, to his favorite fast food chain on Tuesday August 28, 2012. (Staten Island Advance File Photo)Staten Island Advance
WHY S.I. CRAVES CRAVERS
The borough has a long-standing relationship with the 100-year old burger empire thanks to Great Kills resident William Seaquist. In 2012 he won a rare prize — White Castle sliders for life. The bounty included $13,500 in gift certificates or “credits” from a promotional reward program dubbed “Craver Nation” in a presentation at the Grant City restaurant.
When White Castle reps notified him that he won the national contest eight years ago his wife, Maureen, thought her husband was playing a joke on her.
Maureen and William Seaquist, Great Kills, appeared at Thrillists’ Fast Food Awards. (Courtesy of William Seaquist)
By some standards, Seaquist is among the most legendary food figures on Staten Island associated with fast food culture. In early 2020, Thrillist.com sought him out for a documentary on the White Castle win. The show’s crew followed Seaquist through the South Shore and at Rab’s Country Lanes in Dongan Hills. Maureen is noted for making pocketbooks out of White Castle packaging.
Bill Seaquist is among the leaders of Staten Island Council 1662, Knights of Columbus, at 22 Hillside Terr., Great Kills. Staten Islanders who rent out the hall are encouraged to bring in food from a favorite caterer or restaurant, White Castle included.
Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com.
