White Castle, the ivory icon of the fast-food industry, is closing its Clintonville restaurant.

Customers will be able to purchase their last sliders at the location at 6 p.m. Christmas Eve.

Jamie Richardson, vice president of Columbus-based White Castle System Inc., said the location at 2725 N. High St. was "not as viable as it was years back."

"It's bittersweet for us," said Richardson, who noted that it was among eight original White Castles built in Columbus in 1929. The corporate headquarters moved from Wichita, Kan., to Columbus five years later.

All employees have been offered jobs at other White Castle restaurants, Richardson said. The company plans to sell the High Street property.

Burger lovers will still have a fast-food option right across the street. Graffiti Burger, part of a locally based chain, opened Nov. 10 in the former Kentucky Fried Chicken at 2700 N. High St.

George Tanchevski, co-founder of Graffiti Burger, said it is a shame that White Castle had to shutter the eatery at High Street and Arcadia Avenue.

"It's too bad that it has to go because it's such an institution," he said.