Krystal Company, The Franchise News

Doug Pendergast Named Ceo After Recent Argonne Capital Group Acquisition
April 04, 2012 // Franchising.com // Chattanooga, TN – Today the shareholders of The Krystal Company (“Krystal”), a 360-unit hamburger chain located in 11 states, announced the appointment of three top officers. The new leadership team will help oversee the 80-year-old hamburger chain, which was recently acquired by Argonne Capital Group, LLC, a private investment firm based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Doug Pendergast has been tapped to serve as the CEO of the iconic brand, replacing James Fred Exum Jr. A 12-year restaurant industry veteran, Pendergast comes to Krystal from Chattanooga-based CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries, Inc., where he served as Chief Development & Franchising Officer...

A Free Year’s Supply of Krystal Hamburgers to Be Given Away to First 50 Customers in Line at Krystal Opening
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Krystal, the fast food icon famous for its fresh, hot, small, square hamburgers and big taste menu items, will open a new restaurant in Dawsonville, Ga. on Thursday, February 3. Located at 29 N. 400 Center Lane, the new eatery will join more than 60 Krystal locations currently in the greater Atlanta market.
To celebrate, Krystal will be giving away a year’s supply of “Sackfuls” to the first 50 guests in line when the new restaurant opens at 10:00 a.m. In Krystal language, a Sackful refers to an order of 12 Famous Krystal hamburgers, and it will be the first 50 adults, ages 18 and older, who will receive the year’s supply of the Famous Krystals, or specifically, a Sackful of Krystals every week for an entire year...

The Krystal Company to open first new Chattanooga location in 10 years; Plans for more locations in coming years to keep pace with city's growth July 08, 2010 // Franchising.com // CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Krystal Company is setting its sights on growing its presence in Chattanooga and is starting with the opening of a brand new, company-owned Krystal restaurant in north downtown this summer. Situated at 3409 Amnicola Hwy, the new location will be the first Chattanooga-area opening in 10 years and joins more than 20 additional Krystal restaurants in the market. The new location marks the latest move in the company's plans to grow its business through the development of company-owned stores in heritage markets, including a focus in the Chattanooga market...

New Company-Owned Krystal located at 9116 Baymeadows Rd. To Feature Modern Design and Exciting New Menu Choices

September 24, 2009 // Franchising.com // CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - The Krystal Company announced today that it will open a brand new, company-owned Krystal restaurant in Jacksonville, Fla. on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 6:00 a.m. Located at 9116 Baymeadows Rd., the restaurant joins more than 25 additional Krystal locations in the Jacksonville market and will be the first to enter the Bay Meadows area to better serve Krystal Lovers in Duval County.

The state-of-the-art Krystal will showcase the company's new sleek, stylish interior and modern design in addition to a full-service dine-in area, advanced drive-thru ordering technology, credit card and debit payment options, free Wi-Fi Internet access and Krystal's delicious, new menu choices...

January 15, 2009 // Franchising.com // Chattanooga, Tenn. - The Krystal Company today announced that its Franklin, Tenn. franchise partner will ring in the new year and celebrate its new restaurant location by hosting a free menu tasting for area residents.

The "Sample Saturday" event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 17 from 1-4 p.m. and will provide Krystal guests the opportunity to sample for free the company's great variety of "big taste" menu options, such as the new Spicy Southern Chik Basket with Fiesta Waffle Fries and an ever-expanding, premium beverage line, including Krystal Freezes and MilkQuakes.

"We're excited to celebrate the new year and our new Krystal restaurant in Franklin by giving area residents the chance to taste some of the exciting, new menu options at Krystal as well as our signature products completely free of charge," said Jack Bussell, local Krystal franchise operator...

New Krystal located at 2615 West Main Street is first of three new locations in Northeast Mississippi set to open by year's end October 17, 2008 // Franchising.com // Chattanooga, Tenn. – The Krystal Company today announced that it will open a new, state-of-the-art Krystal restaurant in Tupelo, Miss. on Monday, Oct. 20. Located at 2615 West Main Street, the restaurant officially opens its doors at 6:00 a.m. and will feature advanced drive-thru ordering technology, credit card and debit payment options, free Wi-Fi Internet access, a sleek, stylish dining area and the company's complete line-up of signature menu items along with exciting new menu choices.

The new restaurant is the first of three company-owned restaurants the fast food icon plans to open in Northeast Mississippi by year's end...

New corporate-owned location will feature full-service drive-in and offer expanded line of new menu items, making it the first Krystal restaurant of its kind in South Carolina

October 13, 2008 // Franchising.com // Chattanooga, Tenn. – When Krystal opens its new corporate-owned location in Greenville, SC on Monday, Oct. 13 at 6:00 a.m., it will be much more than a sleek, new Krystal restaurant with a spacious, 38-seat dining room and drive-thru. The restaurant, located at at 1020 Woodruff Road, will also be home to a state-of-the-art, full-service drive-in with classic carhop service, in-your-vehicle Wi-Fi Internet access and a dynamic menu and digital media board positioned directly in front of each parking space.

The innovative design, a first of its kind for Krystal in South Carolina and one of only three systemwide, will also showcase an expanded menu featuring all of Krystal's signature items while introducing a number of fresh, new menu choices, including: Hot 'N Country Wings®, chicken wings covered in a deliciously crispy and spicy breading; Krystal Smoothies®, a line up of all-natural, all-fruit smoothie beverages; Mac 'N Cheese Wedges®, small, tasty wedges of fried mac 'n cheese bites; RockSlides®, a line of ice cream-based beverages that include mix-ins such as M&Ms, Butterfinger and Snickers; and Krystal Toaster Sandwiches®, a variety of Krystal-sized sandwiches served on toasted bread including Philly Cheesesteak, Turkey Club, Grilled Cheese, BLT and Grilled Bacon and Cheese...

First of the new locations will feature full-service Drive-In, Drive-Thru, Dine-In and offer expanded line of new menu items, making it the first Krystal restaurant of its kind in South Carolina September 25, 2008 // Franchising.com // Chattanooga, Tenn. – The Krystal Company today announced its plans to expand its presence in Greenville, S.C. with at least three new corporate-owned locations slated to open in the market over the next three years. The first of the new restaurants is scheduled to open this fall and will feature an innovative design that includes a state-of-the-art drive-in with classic carhop service, a full service drive-thru and dine-in area as well as an expanded line of new menu items, making it the only Krystal location of its kind in the state of South Carolina...

To Welcome a Third Krystal Location In San Antonio, the Fast Food Icon will Host "Sample Saturdays" - Giving Guests a Chance to Taste Menu Items For Free at All Area Krystal Restaurants September 25, 2008 // Franchising.com // Chattanooga, Tenn. – In celebration of The Krystal Company's expansion in San Antonio, including the opening of the first Krystal Drive-In location in Texas this past July and the opening of a brand-new Krystal restaurant in October, the fast food icon will host a series of sampling events for area residents. The "Sample Saturdays" will take place at all San Antonio Krystal locations throughout the months of October and November and will provide Krystal guests the opportunity to sample for free the company's expansive menu options, many of which are not available at other Krystal locations in Texas...

FSN South to televise Krystal Square Off V finals live from Chattanooga during one-hour broadcast on Sept. 28, 2008 at 2 p.m. ET

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Aug. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The Krystal Company and FSN South announced today a broadcast partnership for the Krystal Square Off V World Hamburger Eating Championship ("Krystal Square Off V"), one of the majors in the sport of competitive eating and the only world hamburger-eating championship sanctioned by Major League Eating, the world governing body of all stomach-centric sports.

FSN South, the nation's largest regional sports network, will televise the finals of Krystal Square Off V live from Chattanooga, Tenn. during a one-hour program on Sept. 28, 2008 at 2 p.m...

First of the new locations will feature full-service Drive-In and offer expanded line of new menu items, making it the first Krystal restaurant of its kind in Texas

June 17, 2008 // Franchising.com // CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Krystal Company has its sights set on San Antonio as the fast food icon today announced plans to expand its presence in the market with at least two new locations slated to open within the year and even more by the end of 2009. Krystal currently owns and operates one restaurant in the San Antonio market, which is located at 6446 NW Loop 410.

The first of the new Krystal restaurants is scheduled to open this summer and will feature a state-of-the-art drive-in with classic carhop service as well as an expanded line of new menu items, making it the only Krystal location of its kind in the state of Texas...

Fast Food Icon to Host "Sample Saturdays" During the Month of June and July, Giving Guests a Chance to Taste Menu Items For Free, Including a New Line of Slush Beverages Called the Krystal Freeze™

June 04, 2008 // Franchising.com // CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Krystal Company today announced that it will kick off its first summer in Northwest Arkansas by hosting a series of summertime sampling events for Springdale residents. The "Sample Saturdays" events in Springdale will take place on Saturday, June 7, Saturday, June 21 and a TBA Saturday in July and will provide Krystal guests the opportunity to sample for free the company's expansive menu options, including its new line of premium, icy cold slush beverages called Krystal Freeze™, available for the first time in Springdale beginning June 7...

New Krystal, located at 1858 South Church, to Feature Sleek, Spacious Design To Accommodate High Volume in Murfreesboro

April 25, 2008 // Franchising.com // CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - The Krystal Company, the fast food icon famous for its little food with the big taste craved by millions across the South, announced today the opening of a brand new, state-of-the-art, company-owned Krystal restaurant in Murfreesboro. Located at 1852 S. Church Street, the full-size Krystal restaurant officially opens its doors on Thursday, April 24 at 6:00 a.m., and will feature advance drive-thru ordering technology, credit card and debit payment options, free Wi-Fi Internet access and a sleek 49-seat dining area.

"For more than 30 years, Murfreesboro has been home to some of our most loyal guests, and they deserve the very best dining experience we can give them as well as the benefits of leading edge technology that will increase speed of service while ensuring accuracy...

All Proceeds from eBay Auction to Benefit the Fellowship of Christian Athletes

April 11, 2008 // Franchising.com // Chattanooga, TN - The Krystal Company announced today that it will auction on eBay a specially issued Coca-Cola bottle commemorating the fast food icon's 75th anniversary, with all of the proceeds from the sale benefiting the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The 8-oz. Coke collectible is bottle No. 75 from a limited run of 500 produced exclusively for Krystal employees and not available to the general public.

The commemorative item is personally signed by James F. Exum Jr., president and CEO of The Krystal Company, and is presented in a red, drawstring bag embossed with the Krystal logo. The bottle is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, which is also numbered and signed by Exum...

February 01, 2008 // Franchising.com // Chattanooga, Tenn. - Fast food icon Krystal is celebrating the official month of love with both the introduction of its new Chocolate-Covered Cherry MilkQuake and the announcement of its top "Krystal Lovers" love stories of 2008.

The deliciously thick and creamy milkshake, which will be available for a limited time beginning February 11, will give Krystal guests a sweet new treat to enjoy this Valentine's Day while five couples from across the South will be recognized for tales of love connections being made and romances kept alive thanks to Krystal's famous hot and steamy menu items.

"Over the years, we've discovered that many of our guests share a special romantic connection to Krystal, whether they met their future spouse while working in one of our restaurants or fell in love while enjoying our little food with the big taste; so we're celebrating those Krystal Lovers this Valentine's Day with an intimate Krystal Dinner Package," said Brad Wahl, vice president, The Krystal Company...

Free Year's Supply of Krystal Hamburgers to Be Given Away to First "Sackful" of Customers in Line at Krystal Opening in Springdale

January 16, 2008 // Franchising.com // CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Krystal, the fast food icon famous for its fresh, hot, small, square hamburgers craved by a cult-like following all across the South, will open its first restaurant in Northwest Arkansas on Monday, January 28.

To celebrate, Krystal will be giving away a year's supply of free Famous Krystal hamburgers to the first "Sackful" of adults in line when the new restaurant, located at 1503 S. Thompson in Springdale, opens at 10 a.m. In Krystal jargon, a Sackful refers to an order of 12 Famous Krystal hamburgers, and it will be the first 12 adults, ages 18 and older, who will receive the year's supply of the Famous Krystals, or specifically, a Sackful of Krystals every week for an entire year...