Travel to the southeastern U. S. and the farther south you go, the fewer places you can eat small, square hamburgers. Whereas White Castle reigns supreme in the Midwest and North, Krystal is king in the South. Spread out over 10 states, the Atlanta-based restaurant has almost 300 locations where it serves hungry customers. In 2019, USA Today named it one of the Top 10 best regional fast-food restaurants.
Long-time Krystal fans will recognize the restaurant on sight. The tiny white and red building and the crystal ball on the sign (which comes from the name) make this fast food place stand out from others on any city’s main street. On the simple but satisfactory menu, you can find small hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, and even chili dogs and corn dogs.
But, as with all fast food chains that have been around for a long time, Krystal’s history isn’t as simple as its menu.
Krystal burgers have been a beloved fast food staple across the Southern United States for nearly 90 years. With their small, square shape and savory onion flavor, Krystal burgers hold a special place in the hearts and stomachs of generations of customers.
But what exactly is in those iconic little burgers? Are they actually made with real beef or is it something else? I decided to dig into the history and ingredients behind Krystal burgers to find out the truth.
A Brief History of Krystal Burgers
Krystal burgers originated during the Great Depression in 1932 when Rody Davenport Jr. and J. Glenn Sherrill opened the first Krystal restaurant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Inspired by the success of White Castle, Davenport and Sherrill wanted to bring small, affordable burgers to the South.
The name “Krystal” was chosen by Davenport’s wife Mary when she noticed a crystal ball lawn ornament that sparkled clean. The first restaurant was noted for its immaculate white porcelain exterior and stainless steel interior.
Despite the economic challenges of the 1930s, Krystal thrived by serving high-quality food, including its signature small square burgers, at low prices in spotlessly clean environments. By 1941, Krystal expanded to over 40 locations across the Southeast.
Today Krystal still uses the same recipe for its original burgers along with adding new menu items like chili cheese pups, chicken tenders and milkshakes.
Krystal Burgers Are Made With 100% Fresh Beef
So what is actually used to make Krystal’s famous little burgers?
The answer is 100% fresh beef.
According to the company, Krystal burgers are made from beef ground fresh and formed into patties every day at their restaurants. The burgers are never frozen and no fillers, extenders, or artificial ingredients are added to the beef.
Krystal uses only USDA-inspected American beef for its patties. The beef is ground, portioned into 2 oz patties, and grilled to order on a flat griddle for each customer.
The company’s commitment to using 100% beef has remained consistent throughout its 90 year history. From the original Krystal to the Big Angus Burger introduced in 2012, all Krystal burgers use high-quality fresh beef as the star ingredient.
Onions and Other Natural Flavors Boost The Beefy Taste
In addition to 100% real beef, Krystal burgers contain a few other natural ingredients to enhance flavor:
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Dehydrated Onions: The onions are dried and then rehydrated with beef broth before being added to the patties. This boosts the savory umami flavor.
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Mustard and Pickles: A squirt of classic yellow mustard and dill pickle chips provide a tangy crunch.
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Steamed Buns: The burgers are served on fluffy steamed buns or rolls.
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American Cheese: Melty American cheese can be added to burgers for an extra creamy richness.
That’s it – just real beef plus some flavor-packed produce and condiments. No weird fillers or artificial additives.
The Nutritional Value of Krystal Burgers
While not the healthiest menu option, Krystal burgers can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. The chain is transparent about nutrition facts for each menu item.
For example, a classic Krystal burger contains:
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 17g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 340mg
Krystal also offers a calorie filtering feature on their website to help find menu items suited to different dietary needs or restrictions.
Health-Conscious Alternatives Are Available
For customers looking for healthier alternatives to the classic Krystal burger, options include:
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Veggie or Turkey Burgers: Choose plant-based or lean meat patties.
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Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Grilled chicken breast without the beef.
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Chili or Soup: Lighter menu choices with vegetables.
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Side Salad: Fresh greens with light dressing instead of fries.
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Baked Potato: Loaded potato as the meal instead of burger and fries.
The Bottom Line
After nearly a century, Krystal still uses the same straightforward recipe to make their signature sliders: 100% fresh beef patties topped with flavorful fixings. So yes, contrary to mystery meat rumors, those little Krystal burgers are absolutely made with real beef. No odd fillers or substitutes – just quality American ground beef.
The first Krystal restaurants were designed like a diner counter
Today, if you go to a Krystal restaurant, youll find that some offer in-restaurant dining rooms, but many are smaller restaurants with dual drive-thru service and a walk-up order counter (almost similar to the same set up youll see at a Rallys or Checkers location). However, this design is relatively new. The first Krystal restaurants looked more akin to a diner counter, with customers seated at a series of stools along a lengthy counter. According to The Chattanoogan, all the way through the 1970s, Krystal restaurants operated like this, with customers coming through the door, picking a seat at the counter, and ordering from a waitress, who would call out the order to the cook. In the 1970s, Krystal restaurants switched to a counter-service model, wherein guests walked in, placed their order at a counter, and then carried their food to non-counter seating options like tables and booths.
There’s a Krystal Lovers Hall of Fame
In 2005, Krystal created its Krystal Lovers Hall of Fame (via The Chattanoogan). The Hall of Fame recognizes the brands biggest fans and, each year, Krystal chose 10 new inductees from 10 different locations based on submitted stories and applications. In recognition of each inductee, Krystal created a caricature based on each and then featured that caricature on Krystal burger boxes for a limited time, alongside fun facts about the inductees, as well as their favorite menu items. Over the years, inductees included life-long dedicated employees, couples who ate Krystal burgers at their wedding, and diners who would travel from the North to their nearest Krystal location in the South on a regular basis.
But the last Krystal Lovers Hall of Fame induction seems to have happened in 2009. The Krystal Lovers Hall of Fame website and social media pages have been taken down, and news outlets last talked about the induction in 2009-2010.
Krystal Burgers – The Rise and Fall
FAQ
Are Burger King burgers 100 beef?
Are Krystal Burger and White Castle the same company?
What are Krystal burgers made of?
Famous Square Patties Explained Krystal burgers are made of square beef patties, onions, mustard, pickles, American cheese, and served on brioche buns for a classic taste. Krystal was founded during the Great Depression in Chattanooga, Tennessee, by Rody Davenport Jr. and his partner J. Glenn Sherill.
Are Krystal burgers beef or pork?
Krystal burgers are made using beef, and the onions may be tiny but full of beef flavor. When the dehydrated onions are reconstituted, beef broth is used, which helps add to the natural beef flavor of the tiny burger patties. Are Krystal hot dogs beef or pork? Krystal also serves hot dogs, known as Pups, made from beef.
Is Krystal a Good Burger?
The Cheese Krystal is one of the best items available at this restaurant, mainly because cheese makes everything better. Krystal uses American cheese on their burgers, which compliments the diced onions, mustard, and dill pickle. What is the difference between Krystal burgers and White Castle burgers?
Where are Krystal hamburgers made?
It is known for its small, square hamburgers, called sliders in places other than the Southeast, with steamed-in onions. Krystal moved its headquarters from Chattanooga, Tennessee, where it had been based since 1932, to the Atlanta suburb of Dunwoody in early 2013.