Krystal Celebrates Opening of First Location in Tyler

A beloved brand from the Southern region is starting a new phase of growth by expanding strategically into busy, non-traditional locations. Krystal, known as the birthplace of the slider in the South, has made its return to Texas with the launch of its first restaurant at the EZ Travel Center in Tyler. This around-the-clock dining spot signifies an important step in Krystal’s plan to move beyond the usual standalone outlets into locations that cater to high foot traffic and convenience-driven setups.

“We are enthusiastic about broadening our horizons and enhancing our customer interactions,” stated Josh Kern, CEO of SPB Hospitality, the parent company of Krystal. “Our primary goal is to create convenient and memorable experiences, and we take pride in meeting our customers where they are – whether on the road, in their neighborhoods, or during their everyday routines.”

Krystal’s growth blueprint revolves around atypical formats such as convenience stores, travel centers, and airports to meet the rising demand for swift, adaptable dining experiences in places where convenience and volume are crucial. The Tyler establishment serves as an early example of this strategy, positioning Krystal to cater to a diverse clientele ranging from truck drivers and travelers to busy locals.

“While we will continue expanding with the traditional standalone restaurants, formats like travel centers and other high-traffic spots allow us to add more flexibility, efficiency, and better alignment with the contemporary lifestyle of consumers,” Kern further added.

The new Krystal outlet is situated at a comprehensive travel plaza in West Tyler, featuring eight diesel fueling lanes and convenient access to major traffic routes. Patrons can relish Krystal’s complete menu of popular items like sliders, chili cheese pups, fries, shakes, and more – all served quickly and piping hot, at any time of the day.

Operated by Highway 31 Foodservice, a team of seasoned franchise operators with a successful history across various quick-service brands in Texas and Oklahoma, the Tyler store marks their first venture with Krystal, with plans for additional locations in the pipeline.

“Krystal is a renowned brand with a rich Southern heritage spanning nearly a century and a strong growth momentum. We see great potential in introducing Krystal to locations like this travel center,” expressed Jagtar Thethy (“Jag”), the head of Highway 31 Foodservice. “We are optimistic about the future and eager to see where this growth takes us.”

The opening of this restaurant aligns with Krystal’s renewed vigor and focus under SPB Hospitality’s leadership, as the brand invests in innovative expansions, enhanced operations, and cost-effective franchising models that provide more flexibility and improved unit economics for operators.

To learn more or locate the nearest Krystal outlet, visit Krystal.com or contact Tom Petska at thomas.petska@spbhospitality.com or 770.616.9070 for franchise opportunities.

Krystal Restaurants LLC, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is the original quick-service chain in the South, serving fresh and hot Krystal hamburgers on their distinctive square buns since 1932. With an expansion across 11 states and nearly 300 restaurants, Krystal continues to deliver a unique flavor experience through its innovative menu offerings at affordable prices. In 2023, USA Today recognized Krystal as the “Best Late-Night Fast Food,” while Technomic rated Krystal as one of the “Most Craveable Burgers” in 2022.

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