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Founded in 1932, The Krystal Company is the oldest quick service restaurant chain in the Southeast and the second oldest chain in the United States. Enjoyed by three generations of Americans, Krystal is a cultural icon. By delivering great food, quality service and fair value for 70 years, the Krystal brand has assumed a prominent place in the Southeast's cultural landscape. The first Krystal restaurant opened in 1932 on the corner of Seventh and Cherry Streets in downtown Chattanooga, Tenn., amid harsh financial times of the Great Depression. But founders Rody Davenport Jr. and J. Glenn Sherrill knew that even in these hard times, people would patronize a restaurant that was kept spotlessly clean, where they could get a good meal with courteous service at the lowest possible price. Designed by Chattanooga architect Gordon Smith, the first Krystal restaurant measured 10 feet by 25 feet and was constructed in what, at the time, was a revolutionary and expensive method of building. Made of gleaming white porcelain and stainless steel, the building was prefabricated in a metal shop in Chicago and assembled on site in Chattanooga. Krystal's first customer, French Jenkins, ordered six "Krystals" and a cup of coffee, all for the bargain price of 35 cents, and proudly took his place on a stool. From then on, Krystal was in business. The restaurant was an overnight success. Customers flocked to the small building with the spotless chrome and tile fittings to perch upon the six stools, savor hot-off-the-grill Krystals and sip freshly brewed coffee from thick china mugs. Those not lucky enough to snag a stool would order sacks full of Krystals to take with them, making Krystal a pioneer in the business of food "to go." Based on the success of their first location, Davenport and Sherrill began opening Krystals all over the Southeast - creating one of the first fast food restaurant chains in the United States. Over the past 7 decades, Krystal has become a multi-million dollar restaurant chain known throughout the Southeast for its fast-service restaurants and the small, square hamburger with steamed-in onions. Today, Krystal is one of America's largest, privately owned restaurant chains with hundreds of restaurants and thousands of employees. Although Krystal's identity has always centered on the "Krystal," the company has remained in the forefront of the industry by being innovative, both in its menu and its operations. Beginning with the introduction of little square hamburgers and made-to-order breakfast, Krystal's menu has evolved to offer customers a variety of unique items. The Krystal brand is integrally linked to its products. The foundation of Krystal is small, square sandwiches with a distinctive appearance and taste. Everything on Krystal's menu fits with this brand positioning - product offerings that are served fresh, hot off the grill and are unique in size and shape. Cheese Krystals, Krystal Sunrisers (small breakfast sandwiches), Krystal Chiks (small chicken sandwiches) and Pups (small hot dogs offered with chili and cheese) are a just a few of the popular menu items that deliver on this promise. With major investments in new restaurant design, a streamlined menu and a multi-unit franchising program, Krystal has big plans for the future with new initiatives that are setting the stage for record franchise growth. There is a saying in the Krystal culture that "everyone has a Krystal story." Krystal customers have a personal connection to the brand - helping to create a cultural icon that has flourished in the Southeast for 70 years, serving up tradition and a one-of-a-kind taste that you can't find anywhere else.