The Crave Has Arrived in Kissimmee!
The crave has officially arrived in Kissimmee! White Castle®, home of the Original Slider® and America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, has opened its newest Castle with a celebratory ribbon cutting, fanfare and first-day Craver excitement. This grand opening marks the brand’s third freestanding Central Florida location and continues its rapid growth across the Sunshine State.
Located at 5828 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, the 3,430-square-foot Kissimmee Castle features 52 indoor seats, 40 outdoor seats ,and two drive-through lanes designed to serve Cravers quickly and efficiently. Designed with a sleek, modern-industrial style, the Kissimmee Castle reflects White Castle’s vision of blending innovation with classic hospitality. On opening day, White Castle welcomed hundreds of excited Cravers with Sliders, swag and smiles.
Opening day drew enthusiastic fans – known as Cravers - from across Central Florida and beyond, eager to be among the first to experience the highly anticipated location. VIPs attending the ribbon cutting included White Castle CEO Lisa Ingram, a fourth-generation family member, joined by other family members and company leaders, local elected officials, development and community partners, and invited guests.
“You could say our Kissimmee Castle has been 105 years in the making,” said Ingram. “We’re humbled by the enthusiasm of our fans and honored to be part of this incredible community. At White Castle, our mission is to create memorable moments every day – and today is certainly one of them.”
Chief Marketing Officer Jamie T. Richardson added, “The Kissimmee Castle marks an exciting new milestone in our Florida growth. Each new Castle allows us to carry forward our 105-year family legacy while celebrating the Cravers who make fulfilling the Crave so meaningful. This Castle is a symbol of gratitude – to our team members, our Cravers, and the Kissimmee community.”
The Kissimmee Castle brings 60 new jobs to Osceola County, further demonstrating White Castle’s commitment to investing in the communities in which it conducts business and cultivating talent from within. The restaurant is led by General Manager Veronica Serrano, a longtime Central Florida resident who began her White Castle career in 2021 and has grown through the ranks into this leadership role.
Osceola County leaders and community partners welcomed the investment and its impact on the local economy.
“We’re thrilled to welcome White Castle to District 1,” said Osceola County Commissioner Peggy Choudhry. “Their decision to invest here reflects the strength and potential of our local economy. Our Board is proud to support opportunities that create jobs, attract visitors, and add to the vibrancy of our community as we continue building momentum and being first to what’s next.”
“The Osceola Chamber is proud and excited to welcome White Castle to Kissimmee,” said John Newstreet, President and CEO of The Osceola Chamber. “We’ve already seen incredible excitement from the community, and this iconic brand will create new memories, support our workforce and continue to grow Craver Nation here in Osceola County.”
During the ceremony, White Castle® presented a $5,000 check to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida/Osceola County. “Our partnership with White Castle continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the more than 15,500 youth we serve across Central Florida,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida President & CEO Jamie Merrill. “We are deeply grateful for their ongoing support, which helps us open doors of opportunity and serve up brighter futures for every child who walks through our Club doors.”
The new Castle builds on the success of White Castle’s Orlando and Clermont locations, both of which have become popular destinations for fans throughout the region. Additional growth is already underway, with a groundbreaking ceremony planned for a Daytona Beach site on May 12 and a fifth planned for St. Augustine.
Operating hours at the Kissimmee Castle are 6 a.m. to 2a.m. daily. Guests can dine in, take out, or enjoy drive-through service as they experience White Castle’s famous Sliders and crave-worthy menu items. Known for turning openings into fan celebrations, White Castle once again delivered a memorable first day filled with excitement, nostalgia and, of course, plenty of Sliders.
About White Castle®
White Castle, America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business owns and operates 336 restaurants as well as a retail division providing its famous fare in freezer aisles of retail stores nationwide. As part of its commitment to offering the highest quality products, White Castle owns and operates its own Slider Provider meat plants, bakeries and frozen-Slider retail plants. White Castle has earned numerous accolades, including Time magazine’s “Most Influential Burger of All Time” (2014, The Original Slider®) and Thrillist’s “Best Plant-Based Fast-Food Burger” (2019, Impossible™ Slider). The company was also named one of Fast Company’s “10 Most Innovative Dining Companies” (2021). For more information on White Castle and how to Follow Your Crave, visit whitecastle.com.
Our Chamber Coalitions launched four new awards last year and this year they have added a few more! The Coalitions Impact Awards includes the Chamber's popular Tomorrow's Leaders Today Award, which recognizes up-and-coming talent in the business world, as well as the Hispanic Leadership Award, Emerging Entrepreneur Award, and more! Nominate worthy candidates today for
Do you know someone under 40 who works OR lives in Osceola County who you consider an up-and-coming leader in our community? The Young Professionals of Osceola County want to give you the opportunity to nominate an individual for their Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Award! This Award recognizes individuals 40 and under that live or work in Osceola County and who go above and beyond in their acts of service, both professionally and for the community.
The Young Professionals launched the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Awards in 2018. That year, eight remarkable under-40s were honored. Nominations* for the 2026 awards are open through June 30, 2026. Nominees will submit a detailed application and winners will be honored at our Awards Luncheon on September 23.
*Please note, nominating the same candidate multiple times does not increase their chances of winning. One nomination is sufficient for a candidate to receive an application. Winners are judged on the basis of the application they complete.
This year, for the first time, our Non-Profit Coalition is offering not one but two(!) awards to recognize outstanding non-profit work in Osceola County.
The Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding 501(c)(3) nonprofit that demonstrates exceptional service, measurable community impact, strong leadership, sound financial stewardship, and meaningful engagement with businesses and volunteers in the Chamber’s service area. This award celebrates organizations that strengthen the community and serve as models of excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the nonprofit sector.
To be eligible, an organization must:
• Be a registered 501(c)(3) or equivalent nonprofit
• Have been in operation for at least three (3) years
• Serve residents or causes within the The Osceola Chamber’s geographic region
• Demonstrate ethical governance and financial accountability
Nominations* are due no later than June 30, 2026. Nominees will then complete an application to be considered for the award.
The Non-Profit Practitioner of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding professional working in the non-profit sector - at any level of the organization - who demonstrates exceptional commitment, leadership through action, measurable community impact, ethical practice, and a strong dedication to collaboration and service. This award intentionally honors both frontline practitioners and organizational leaders whose work strengthens the community and exemplifies the values of service, innovation, and partnership.
Nominees must meet all of the following requirements:
• Employed (paid or full-time equivalent) by a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
• Serve in any role or level within the organization, including program staff, coordinators, specialists, frontline practitioners, managers, or executives
• Have a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in the non-profit sector
• Currently working within the Chamber’s geographic service area
• Demonstrate work that occurred primarily within the past 12–24 months
• May be self-nominated or nominated by a peer, supervisor, board member, community partner, or Chamber member
This award is not limited to CEOs, executive directors, or senior leadership. Individuals who do not hold formal management or supervisory titles are strongly encouraged to apply. Board members serving in a purely volunteer capacity are not eligible for this award.
Nominations* are due no later than June 30, 2026. Nominees will then complete an application to be considered for the award.
*Please note, nominating the same candidate multiple times does not increase their chances of winning. One nomination is sufficient for a candidate to receive an application. Winners are judged on the basis of the application they complete.
Sponsored by the Chamber's Pride Coalition, nominations for the 2026 ROY G BIV Impact award are open through June 30, 2026. Nominees will be announced online following the nomination period and the public will then be invited to vote for the winner who will then be announced at the Coalitions Impact Awards Breakfast in September.
The ROY G BIV Impact Award honors individuals making bold, lasting contributions to the LGBTQ+ community in Osceola. Inspired by the colors of the rainbow, each letter of ROY G BIV represents a core value that drives meaningful change: Representation, Outreach, Youth Empowerment, Growth, Boldness, Inclusion, and Visibility. From uplifting queer youth and creating safe, affirming spaces, to amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and driving community growth, this award celebrates those who embody the full spectrum of impact. Whether through advocacy, art, education, or service, recipients of the ROY G. BIV Impact Award are recognized for their unwavering commitment to building a more vibrant, inclusive world.
Our Hispanic Business Coalition is once again sponsoring two awards that will honor an individual who has proven their leadership and influence in Osceola's Hispanic business community and a business, organization, or initiative that has made an impact. Nominations* are open now.
The Hispanic Leadership Award honors Hispanic individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership within the Hispanic community through June 30, 2026.
The Hispanic Business Impact Award recognizes Hispanic businesses, organizations, or initiatives that have made a significant positive impact on the Hispanic business community in Osceola County, Florida. Nominations are due no later than June 30, 2026.
*Please note, nominating the same candidate multiple times does not increase their chances of winning. One nomination is sufficient for a candidate to receive an application. Winners are judged on the basis of the application they complete.
Presented by the Black Business Coalition of The Osceola Chamber, this award honors a rising Black entrepreneur who exemplifies innovation, resilience, and exceptional potential. It recognizes a business leader who is not only building a successful company, but also paving the way for future generations through bold vision and impactful leadership. Nominations* are due no later than June 30, 2026. Nominees will then complete an application to be considered for the award. Nominees should have been in business under 7 years.
*Please note, nominating the same candidate multiple times does not increase their chances of winning. One nomination is sufficient for a candidate to receive an application. Winners are judged on the basis of the application they complete.
Winners of all Coalitions Impact Awards will be honored, and in some cases revealed, at the Coalitions Impact Awards Breakfast on September 23, 2026 at Holiday Inn Orlando SW - Celebration Area. Check out some images from last year's event in the gallery below.
Advanced Ultrasound FL is a diagnostic imaging provider based in Kissimmee, focused on supporting physicians and their patients with timely, reliable ultrasound services. Founded by registered sonographer Sharday Jo, the clinic serves as a trusted imaging referral resource within the community.
Advanced Ultrasound FL works closely with local medical providers and the community health departments, increasing patient access to ultrasound care within Osceola County. The clinic also supports the development of college ultrasound students through its role as a teaching imaging facility.
To help reduce delays in patient management, Advanced Ultrasound FL offers same-day and next-day appointments, along with priority scheduling for urgent cases. All studies are interpreted by board-certified radiologists, with reports delivered within 24–48 hours. The clinic also maintains direct communication with referring offices, ensuring a seamless and dependable referral process.
Services include a full range of ultrasound exams for women, men, and pediatric patients, including obstetric, abdominal, pelvic, vascular, thyroid, breast, echocardiogram, and specialty imaging such as prostate and scrotal exams. The clinic accepts most major insurance plans and offers affordable self-pay options to help expand access to diagnostic ultrasound imaging across the community.
To learn more, visit AdvancedUltrasoundFL.com.
