Storefront Sign Installed in 1978

White’s History

Charles and Myrtle White had previously owned White’s Tip Top Lunch in the Hollywood District of Salem during the early 1930s. When they moved their family to South Commercial Street in 1935, they built a new restaurant, White’s Lunch, on the property adjacent to their home.

Service and satisfaction were very important to the Whites, as stated on the cover of their early menus. Original hours were 17 a day from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. seven days a week. A “plate lunch” special consisted of meat, two vegetables, trim, bread, beverage and dessert for 35 cents.

The Owners

The ownership of White’s Restaurant stayed in the White family for generations. Each generation brought new, and wonderful updates to the restaurant while still keeping the same values and delicious food. Eventually, the White family decided they were ready to sell the restaurant… which is where the new owner, Scott Casterline, came in. He brings with him years of experience in the restaurant industry, a love of the Salem community, and an appreciation for recipe’s old and new. Next time you are in the restaurant, give Scott a wave; he would love to meet you.

Don’s Big Mess

Chicken Fried Steak

Our Recipes

One of the more colorful stories behind one of White’s Restaurant specials involves Maynard’s Meatloaf, which is served on Thursdays. Maynard Drawson, a barber in Salem for 50 years, a local radio show personality and founding member of the Oregon Heritage Tree Committee, is the man behind the meatloaf.

“I fell out of a tree and damn near died,” Drawson said. “In fact, I was sick for three to four months. And when I got big enough and good enough to come out, the lady that rescued me …came to lunch with me. And they had meatloaf that day. I said, ‘You know that meatloaf is pretty good, but it is pretty dry. You know, if you cut some carrots up and blah blah blah.’ And the guy that owned the place (Uselman) is a friend of mine, and he started writing all of this stuff down, and the next thing I know, they put out a new menu, and there is Maynard’s Meatloaf.”

So the next time you stop in, be sure to try Meynard’s Meatloaf!

Source- Statesman Journal

White's Restaurant serving salem since 1936 home of the original Don's Big Mess

Storefront Sign Installed in 1978

White’s History

Charles and Myrtle White had previously owned White’s Tip Top Lunch in the Hollywood District of Salem during the early 1930s. When they moved their family to South Commercial Street in 1935, they built a new restaurant, White’s Lunch, on the property adjacent to their home.

Service and satisfaction were very important to the Whites, as stated on the cover of their early menus. Original hours were 17 a day from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. seven days a week. A “plate lunch” special consisted of meat, two vegetables, trim, bread, beverage and dessert for 35 cents.

Don's Big Mess at White's Restaurant

Don’s Big Mess

The Owners

The ownership of White’s Restaurant stayed in the White family for generations. Each generation brought new, and wonderful updates to the restaurant while still keeping the same values and delicious food. Eventually, the White family decided they were ready to sell the restaurant… which is where the new owner, Scott Casterline, came in. He brings with him years of experience in the restaurant industry, a love of the Salem community, and an appreciation for recipe’s old and new. Next time you are in the restaurant, give Scott a wave; he would love to meet you.
Chicken Fried Steak at White's Restaurant

Chicken Fried Steak

Our Recipes

One of the more colorful stories behind one of White’s Restaurant specials involves Maynard’s Meatloaf, which is served on Thursdays. Maynard Drawson, a barber in Salem for 50 years, a local radio show personality and founding member of the Oregon Heritage Tree Committee, is the man behind the meatloaf.

“I fell out of a tree and damn near died,” Drawson said. “In fact, I was sick for three to four months. And when I got big enough and good enough to come out, the lady that rescued me …came to lunch with me. And they had meatloaf that day. I said, ‘You know that meatloaf is pretty good, but it is pretty dry. You know, if you cut some carrots up and blah blah blah.’ And the guy that owned the place (Uselman) is a friend of mine, and he started writing all of this stuff down, and the next thing I know, they put out a new menu, and there is Maynard’s Meatloaf.”

So the next time you stop in, be sure to try Meynard’s Meatloaf!

Source- Statesman Journal