Krystal Restaurants Unveils New Prototype

Krystal Restaurants LLC (Atlanta) has unveiled a new, smaller prototype in Center Point, Ala. The 1700-square-foot walk-up/drive-through destination is the company’s first store opening in more than 6 years, and signals the start of a new growth push by the brand.

While a traditional Krystal has 2700 square feet, the prototype has 20 percent less kitchen space, which makes it both cost efficient and operationally strategic, the chain says. Without a dining room, the design makes it convenient for guests with its hot and ready to-go orders ready to be picked up in its double-lane drive thru. It features a walk-up window for ordering, plus a pickup area for online orders and third-party delivery.

“This prototype signals a new day for Krystal,” President Thomas Stager said in a news release. “We strategically sought more cost-efficient opportunities to generate a strong sales-to-investment outcome, as well as a design to fast-track franchise development.”

Founded in 1932, Krystal calls itself the original quick-service restaurant chain in the South. It has nearly 300 restaurants in operation in 10 states, and plans to grow by 200 more stores in the next five years.