Step into fast food nostalgia with this authentic vintage-inspired t-shirt celebrating the legendary White Tower, the pioneering hamburger chain famous for its small square burgers and the memorable slogan "Buy 'Em By The Sack." This classic piece captures the essence of what was once a beloved fixture of American fast food history.
White Tower opened its first location in 1926 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, founded by John E. Saxe and Thomas E. Saxe who were inspired by the success of White Castle but wanted to create their own version with distinctive white porcelain and stainless steel buildings. The restaurant featured small, thin hamburgers that sold for just five cents each, making them affordable for working-class customers during the Great Depression. The chain's architectural design with white towers and castle-like details made each location a recognizable landmark in urban neighborhoods.
At its peak in the 1950s, White Tower operated over 230 locations across the eastern United States, from Boston to Philadelphia and beyond. The restaurants became popular late-night destinations and gathering spots for shift workers, teenagers, and anyone looking for cheap, quick meals. The chain was particularly known for its onion-steamed cooking method that gave the small burgers their distinctive flavor, and the practice of customers buying them "by the sack" for parties and family meals.
Unfortunately, legal challenges from White Castle over trademark similarities and increased competition from larger national chains created significant problems in the 1960s. The small burger format struggled to compete with the bigger portions offered by McDonald's and Burger King, while rising operational costs made the low-price model difficult to sustain. Most locations closed by the 1980s, ending over five decades of serving affordable hamburgers to generations of loyal customers throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Now you can keep the memory of this pioneering burger chain alive with this premium quality t-shirt. The distressed, cracked vintage logo design on the front captures the weathered charm and timeless appeal that made White Tower so special. The back remains clean and blank for a classic look.
- Material: 100% preshrunk heavy cotton (5.3 oz)
- Brand: Gildan 5000
- Fit: Classic unisex standard fit
- Sizes: Available in S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL
- Colors: Multiple popular color options available
- Label: Tear-away for comfort
- Printing: State-of-the-art direct-to-garment technology for vibrant, long-lasting colors
- Design: Vintage logo on front only
This comfortable, durable shirt is perfect for fast food history enthusiasts, vintage Americana collectors, or anyone who appreciates the story behind pioneering American burger chains. Whether you're a former customer reliving fond memories or discovering this piece of culinary history for the first time, this t-shirt serves as a tribute to the affordability and innovation that made White Tower a true original in early fast food dining.
Honor the legacy. Wear the story.