FRANCHISE RESALES

Buy a Krystal Restaurants Franchise

Krystal Restaurants LLC is a historic American quick-service restaurant chain founded in 1932 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, renowned for its signature small, square hamburgers served fresh on iconic square buns. The brand emphasizes quality, cleanliness, and affordability, maintaining a loyal customer base with menu staples like the Original Krystal burger, Krystal Chik fried chicken sandwich, and combo meals. Since beginning franchising in 1990, Krystal has grown to approximately 280 locations across the U.S., with a mix of 143 franchised and 137 company-owned units. In 2023, Krystal was acquired by SPB Hospitality, a multi-brand restaurant operator, which is driving expansion and operational improvements.

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Why buy a Krystal Restaurants Franchise?

Investing in Krystal offers the opportunity to join a storied, growing QSR brand with a proven business model, strong corporate backing, and a loyal customer base. The brand’s flexible footprint, innovative menu, and multi-daypart sales approach provide multiple revenue streams and growth potential. With ongoing expansion supported by SPB Hospitality, Krystal presents a compelling franchise opportunity for experienced restaurateurs seeking a recognizable brand with solid unit economics and regional to national growth prospects.

Krystal Restaurants Franchise Costs & Information

Based on 2023 data reported in the 2024 FDD

  • Brand Profile

    • Year Founded

      1932

    • Franchising Since

      1990

    • New Startup Cost

      $1,380,500 – $2,160,000

    • Avg. Resale Price

      Contact us for details

  • Franchise Fees

    • Initial franchise Fee

      $35,000

      for new territories

    • Transfer Fee

      $15,000

    • Royalty Fee

      5%

      of Gross Sales

    • Marketing Fee

      4.50%

      of Gross Sales

  • Unit Performance

    • Total Units *

      280

    • New Units Opened *

      20

    • Units Transferred *

      3

    • Avg. Unit revenue *

      $981,640

    * Based on 2023 data reported in the 2024 FDD

Krystal Restaurants – Additional  Information

  1. Training & Support

    Krystal offers extensive franchisee support including comprehensive training (300 hours on-the-job and 40 hours classroom), site selection assistance, marketing programs, operational guidance, and access to purchasing cooperatives. Franchisees benefit from a flexible restaurant design starting at about 1,000 square feet, proprietary menu innovations by an in-house chef, and a strong corporate team focused on product sourcing and margin improvement.

  2. Ideal Owner

    The ideal Krystal franchisee is a hands-on operator or multi-unit restaurant professional with a minimum net worth of $1.5 million and at least $500,000 in liquid capital. Experience in restaurant management is highly valued, as absentee ownership is not permitted. Franchisees should be committed to maintaining high operational standards and driving growth in their territories.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    Krystal is recognized as an iconic quick-service brand with a unique menu and a strong presence in the Southeastern U.S. It has achieved systemwide sales exceeding $317 million and an average unit volume (AUV) of around $1.4 million for top-performing franchises, reflecting solid brand loyalty and operational success.

  4. Industry / Market

    The quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry remains highly competitive but continues to grow, with consumer demand for affordable, craveable menu items available throughout multiple dayparts. Krystal’s four-daypart model and menu innovation position it well to capture market share, especially as it expands beyond its traditional Southeast base into new regions nationally.

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