For a price that usually gets them one-third of an order of chili cheese fries, Krystal customers were able to purchase the classic Krystal hamburger and a small drink for 82 cents Tuesday in celebration of the oldest burger chain in the Southeast’s 82nd anniversary.
Employees placed trays of steaming burgers and fries in front of customers ranging from a tiny, blond toddler to a group of rowdy construction workers.
The red, white and blue building at 7700 W. Newberry Road is speckled with six black-and-white photos on one of its walls, each showcasing past Krystal locations.
Gainesville native Terrald Bryant, 43, has been enjoying the mini square-shaped burgers since 1987, when the chain was exclusively known for its small sliders.
At the time, there was a location that was walking distance from UF’s campus, Bryant, a lawn technician, said.
“After the clubs and football games, everyone would go to Krystal’s,” Bryant said.
When Bryant was in high school, his football games were held in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. After, he and his friends would trek across the street to feast on the most popular item on the menu — the Krystal.
Bryant can still remember watching the employees place the square meat patties side by side on the large grill. He would order about 20 burgers at 25 cents each.
Nowadays, Bryant does not frequent the burger joint as much because he lives across town. When he does get a chance to stop by, he gets the breakfast bowl, which has become his favorite.
“I get grits, cheese, eggs and a choice of meat,” he said.
Krystal first emerged in 1932 in a free-standing building in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Partners Rody Davenport Jr. and J. Glenn Sherrill wanted to provide quality food and low prices to people during the Great Depression.
Thirty-five cents would provide six Krystals and a cup of coffee, said Renee Beckham, Krystal district supervisor for Gainesville and Jacksonville.
The first Krystal in the state of Florida was opened in the Roosevelt Hotel in downtown Jacksonville, Beckham said.
Back then, one Krystal cost one nickel, Beckham said. Now, it’s 79 cents.
[A version of this story ran on page 5 on 10/22/2014]
Krystal celebrated its 82nd birthday Tuesday by offering 82-cent hamburgers and a small drink throughout the day.
