This Chattanooga-based hamburger chain was founded in 1932 by Rodolph B. Davenport Jr. and J. Glenn Sherrill. The first restaurant was a small white porcelain and stainless steel building at the corner of Seventh and Cherry Streets in Chattanooga. Mrs. Mary McGee Davenport selected the company name after noticing a crystal ball on a neighbor's lawn. The name she chose, "Krystal Klean," reflected the cleanliness of the restaurant; the name was later shortened to Krystal. A crystal ball became a symbol outside all Krystal restaurants. Krystal capitalized on the economic hard times of the era by offering customers nickel hamburgers and "a good cup of coffee." Its steamed, small, square hamburger covered with chopped onions has become part of southern culinary lore. - Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture.
So, let us all sing praises to the humble Krystal Burger. It doesn't cost five cents anymore, but be thankful we live in a time and part of the world in which every man, woman and child's fondest gastro-dreams can come true. And, each one, in his own way, can become a true gourmand.
Comments (1)
We have a Krystal's here. It's more bun than burger, and I'm not fond of onions so I don't usually go there unless a really good coupon comes in the mail, and then I still ask for it without their signature onions and I take off half the bun. Their Krystal pups, baby hotdogs, are kind of cute though.