Miami-Dade County

This Miami-born burger joint was everywhere, then vanished. Look inside Royal Castle

By Miami Herald Archives

The first Royal Castle opened in Miami on March 18, 1938. Soon the burger chain dominated the South Florida eating landscape.

By the mid-1970s, they were gone.

Two holdouts survived, operated independently with the familiar logo, orange facade and menu. One of those has closed.

Now, there is one Royal Castle left, on Northwest 79th Street and 27th Avenue.

The chain grew from a single hamburger stand opened by William Singer at 7952 NE Second Ave. in Miami after failing in the beer business. By the 1960s, the number of Royal Castles grew to more than 150.

FLASHBACK: The story of Royal Castle through the years

Here is a look at Royal Castle through the Miami Herald photo archives:

THE RESTAURANTS

Arnold’s Royal Castle in North Miami, before it closed a few years ago.
Arnold’s Royal Castle in North Miami, before it closed a few years ago. Miami Herald File
News coverage of Royal Castle in 1958.
News coverage of Royal Castle in 1958. Miami Herald File
The last remaining Royal Castle in South Florida, on Northwest 79th Street and 27th Avenue.
The last remaining Royal Castle in South Florida, on Northwest 79th Street and 27th Avenue. Bennett Bramson Courtesy


1/16/08 Patrick Farrell/Miami Herald James Brimberry’s Royal Castle on NW 79th Street and 27th Avenue.
1/16/08 Patrick Farrell/Miami Herald James Brimberry’s Royal Castle on NW 79th Street and 27th Avenue. Patrick Farrell Miami Herald File


The floor greeting at a Royal Castle at 16700 NW 27th Ave. in North Miami-Dade.
The floor greeting at a Royal Castle at 16700 NW 27th Ave. in North Miami-Dade. Alan Freund Miami Herald File
In 2009, Wayne Arnold, owner of a late-surviving Royal Castle in North Miami, signs a piece of the ribbon used in the grand reopening of his restaurant for patron Juan Criscuolo, a regular customer for more than 25. Criscuolo said he remembers his first time sitting at the counter as a young boy in the late 1960s.
In 2009, Wayne Arnold, owner of a late-surviving Royal Castle in North Miami, signs a piece of the ribbon used in the grand reopening of his restaurant for patron Juan Criscuolo, a regular customer for more than 25. Criscuolo said he remembers his first time sitting at the counter as a young boy in the late 1960s. Miami Herald File
Royal Castle in North Miami before it closed.
Royal Castle in North Miami before it closed. Carol Guzy Miami Herald File

THE FOOD

A cook at a Miami-area Royal Castle.
A cook at a Miami-area Royal Castle. Miami Herald File
A Royal Castle burger with cheese and a birch beer.
A Royal Castle burger with cheese and a birch beer. MATIAS J. OCNER mocner@miamiherald.com
In 2008, customers at the counter at the last surviving Royal Castle at Northwest 79th Street and 27th Avenue.
In 2008, customers at the counter at the last surviving Royal Castle at Northwest 79th Street and 27th Avenue. Patrick Farrell Miami Herald File
In 2008, a customer bites into one of those famous burgers at the last Royal Castle.
In 2008, a customer bites into one of those famous burgers at the last Royal Castle. Patrick Farrell Miami Herald File
Burgers and fries at the last remaining Royal Castle in South Florida.
Burgers and fries at the last remaining Royal Castle in South Florida. Patrick Farrell Miami Herald File

This story was originally published March 19, 2024 at 7:36 AM.

Follow More of Our Reporting on Uniquely Miami

See all stories
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER