White Castle Eyes Route 18: Here's What You Said.

The possibility of having a White Castle set up shop right here in East Brunswick has some people excited.

51 out of 94 people voting said White Castle was their favorite.

Coming in next was Wendy’s with 13 votes, In N Out with 10 votes and Burger King with 9 votes.

But just because White Castle won the poll doesn’t mean that everyone is happy with the possibility of the fast food chain opening in East Brunswick. Readers were mixed in their reaction to news that with a drive through on an 18.443-acre parcel of “underutilized parking lot” just north of and south of .

“This is terrible news. How can we ever hope to attract a decent food market such as Wegman's or Trader Joe's if we allow these trashy establishments to gain access to the Route 18 corridor? Don't we have enough unhealthy food purveyors already?” Miriam Stein posted.

Poster Barbara Pollak agreed.

“Just what EB needs, another low-class establishment,” she said.

Other posters said they would like to see “mom and pop” small businesses come to town, but some readers pointed out that sometimes that is difficult.

“I agree with you. I like the mom and pop run places that aren't owned by a corporation, but I can't see Joe Average being able to take that financial risk to pay rent for a location that probably commands a high premium,” said Joe.

Another poster named Joe said that even though he is not a fan of the burgers, there is a place for them.

 “I know people that absolutely love that place. I personally can't stand it. I ate there a couple of times and found the burgers to be mostly bun with warm, wilted lettuce, and it made me sick to my stomach within an hour of consumption. However, at least it's an independent place and with the popularity of the place I acknowledge that it's probably just a personal thing that I can't stomach that place. Everybody I know is either on one side or the other in regards to White Rose. Makes for great debate and good conversation,” he said.

While many readers seemed to think a White Castle is a sign that the standards of East Brunswick residents and government are falling, there were some who defended the application.

 “Finally!!!!!!!!!! I guess to all those naysayers, (two McDonalds, two Burger Kings) and a Wendy's is OK. But (White Castle) comes in and there goes the neighborhood. Existing empty black top bringing in zero tax revenue is better I suppose than the evil WC empire. And if you do not like the food, no one is making you eat it. To all those people who have some kind of idealistic picture of what Route 18 should look like, don't you think these stores you so espouse would come here if they wanted to? People are so naive when it comes to what their elected officials can do. Sometimes they can be instrumental in bringing in a business (or keeping one). But they are not magicians people. If there is no market for a WC then the store will close. If it thrives then enough people thought it was a good idea,” said RH.

The Planning Board expects to hear the White Castle proposal on July 25. Until then, tell us what you think!