White Castle's The Original Slider(R)-Scented Candles Sell Out in Less Than 48 Hours

Next Shipment of Candles to Be Available for Holiday Giving

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May 06, 2010, 12:19 ET

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Just two days after White Castle launched the sale of its steam-grilled-on-a-bed-of-onions-scented candles, the fast-food chain's online store www.houseofcrave.com received a record number of sales and officially sold out of the candles Tuesday evening.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100503/CL97638 )

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030828/WHITECASTLELOGO )

"We're thrilled with the overwhelming customer response to our one-of-kind White Castle candle," said Jamie Richardson, vice president of corporate relations. "White Castle fans from around the country have responded so enthusiastically that our online inventory sold out in record time. Best of all, net proceeds from all candle sales will be donated to Autism Speaks."

Richardson said candles are still available at some White Castle restaurants, but they're selling fast. The candles, which are packaged in a ceramic holder that reproduces the signature cardboard sleeve of the White Castle hamburger packaging, will be available for sale again later this year around the holiday season.

"It's the ultimate gift for Castle lovers everywhere," Richardson added.

Candles were sold for $10 each to commemorate the 18th annual celebration of National Hamburger Month. White Castle teamed up with Laura Slatkin, founder of Nest Fragrances, often called the "queen" of home fragrances, to introduce a candle with scent of America's first fast-food hamburger. The idea for the candle was sparked when White Castle executives met Slatkin, who sits on the board of Autism Speaks.

Established in 1921 and the nation's first fast-food hamburger chain, White Castle has been the official sponsor of National Hamburger Month since 1992.

About White Castle

White Castle is a family-owned business based in Columbus, Ohio that owns and operates 421 White Castle Restaurants in 11 states. The company was founded in Wichita, Kansas in 1921 and was the first fast-food hamburger chain. For more information on White Castle, visit www.whitecastle.com.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception only five short years ago, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $142.5 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families through 2014. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks also supports the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning "Learn the Signs" campaign with the Ad Council. which has received over $210 million in donated media. Autism Speaks' family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit, a community grant program and much more. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government's response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit http://www.autismspeaks.org.

SOURCE White Castle