Krystal Signs Lease for First New Jersey Location on Route 22

Krystal inked a 10-year lease for a drive-thru spot in Union. This marks the chain's first confirmed site in New Jersey. The Atlanta-based quick-service company will occupy a 2,057-square-foot building at 2210 Route 22, per SRS Real Estate Partners-Northeast LLC.

Three five-year renewal options sweeten the deal.

A company spokesperson didn't respond when asked for details.

Started in 1932, Krystal slings sliders, burgers, chicken sandwiches, tenders, hot dogs, corn dogs, fries, and tater tots. Breakfast fare and desserts round out what they offer.

This expansion follows a tough Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in May 2020. Later that year, a SoftBank-owned investment group purchased the business for $48 million.

Now the company concentrates on updating its brand and pushing out from its Southeast origins. Nearly 300 spots span about a dozen states.

USA Today's 2019 readers' choice awards recognized Krystal as one of the top regional fast-food concepts in America. Two years back, the publication called it the best late-night fast food.

Paterson native and ex-New York Giant Victor Cruz was supposed to open a spot in his hometown four years ago as a franchisee, New Jersey Digest reported. That site hasn't opened.

His agreement called for "Victor Cruz's Krystal" branded restaurants featuring memorabilia from his football days. He aimed to build up to five locations over two years, a December 2021 press release stated.

In mid-2023, Victor Cruz signed a lease for 211 Main St. in Paterson.

He hasn't launched any Cruz Krystals yet, but company marketing materials still list him as a franchise partner and credit him with drawing development into the state.

Plans call for refranchising about 100-150 company-owned restaurants as part of ongoing business and fleet revitalization.