As I set out on my exploration of the Canadian food scene, I stumbled upon White Spot. The story goes that in 1928, a man named Nat Bailey set up a tiny restaurant on Kingsway in Vancouver, laying the foundation for what was to become a nationwide favorite. The very first menu was simple but wholesome, comprising of hamburgers, French fries, and soft drinks. It was great to learn that the Triple O sauce that is now smeared on every burger started gaining popularity back in the 1960s. Not just that, today it's served at all White Spot locations and has been widely adopted by many other restaurants across Canada.
Interestingly, White Spot has an offshoot called Triple O's that shares its cuisine with several nations in Asia and around the globe. Today, they boast of 64 locations throughout Canada and are still known for their iconic burgers.
The Origin of "The White Spot"
Nat Bailey, the trailblazer behind White Spot, was determined to offer the cleanest lunch counter in the city. It seems that owing to the color white's association with spotless cleanliness, the establishment was christened "White Spot".
I discovered that when Bailey inaugurated the first White Spot back in 1928, he instituted a policy of scrubbing the countertop for every new customer order. Building trust became easy with this distinct move and it continues to be their hallmark even today.
White Spot and Triple-O's: Are They One and the Same?
Yes, they are! Turns out, White Spot and Triple O's have a sibling relationship, akin to restaurants such as Rally's/Checkers and Hardee's/Carl's Jr. Although they operate under different managerial hierarchies, they share similar menu items and restaurant designs.
Is it Just About Burgers?
Although White Spot might be synonymous with burgers, I found it rather delightful to discover that they offer a plethora of healthy salads too! Whether you're looking to kickstart the day on a light note or seeking something refreshing as a side for your lunchtime burger, White Spot's got you covered.
The White Spot signature salad with artisan spinach & greens and house-made vinaigrette struck a chord with me. Their menu also has an exciting selection of seasonal salads that cater to all types of palates!
Are There Any International White Spots?
Primarily, White Spot is a Canadian charm. Its sister concern, Triple O's, stretches its reach to Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore. The journey into the Asian market started after potential partners at food exhibitions showed an interest in opening outlets across the region.
Subsequently, after receiving substantial interest from folks eager to open White Spot outlets abroad, it was decided to appoint a regional manager for that area, giving birth to a whole new business entity.
The Secret Sauce: Triple "O"
The Triple O sauce - a concoction of mayonnaise and relish - is the superstar on the White Spot menu. I must say, its tangy flavor blew me away! Plus, the sheer joy of seeing it smeared on both the top and bottom bun to create the legendary burger had me hooked.
What’s the Order of the Day?
From the Legendary Burger to The Spot's Fish and Chips, Haddock & Chips, and Crispy Cajun Po' Boy, the culinary spread at The White Spot does not disappoint. You can punch it up with a side of fries or onion rings or tone it down with salads or soups.
Nutrition Talk
I couldn't help but note that The Legendary Burger packs in just under 50 grams of fat and around 790 calories. If you're health-conscious, they even offer a beef or turkey patty between lettuce and tomato wraps as a lower-calorie option.
Vegetarian Turf
White Spot has an exciting vegetarian ensemble as well. I personally loved the Farro Power Salad and Zoo Sticks. There's also a vegan and soy-free waffle named after Nat.
More than Just Food
The White Spot experience is incomplete without their hand-selected beverages that range from Nat Bailey Lager to Muddlers Vodka Lemon Tea.
Cap It Off with Dessert
The dessert options, like the Berry Cheesecake and Salted Caramel Brownie, are as diverse as the main course.
Making a Difference with White Spot
Above the fantastic food, what makes White Spot standout for me is its commitment to catering to special dietary requirements. From gluten-free buns to vegan sausages by Pure Vegetarian Foods, they really go the extra mile to ensure all patrons are well looked after. Plus, who could resist their drool-worthy dessert selections!
Pros
- The food was delicious and filling.
- They catered to several dietary requirements.
- The Triple "O" sauce lived up to the hype.
- The salad options were fresh and extensive.
- Great range of vegetarian options.
- Friendly and attentive staff.
- Interesting history and vibe of the restaurant.
Cons
- The Legendary Burger was a bit on the high-calorie side.
- No White Spot outlets outside of Canada (except Triple O's).
- There might be a small wait during peak hours.
- The restaurant layout can seem a bit outdated to some.