Krystal Company

Financing

Krystal hopes selling some restaurants will spur growth

The burger chain is planning a “strategic refranchising program,” refranchising restaurants in certain markets to operators that then build more locations.

Operations

New CEO of Krystal, Logan's looks to get brands back on track

Josh Kern is working to eliminate distractions and focus on the basics at SPB Hospitality's 16 restaurant brands.

Kern has been with SPB Hospitality for more than four years and became interim CEO in August.

The multi-concept operator, which emerged from the ashes of Craftworks Holdings, is taking in its first fast-food chain in Krystal. Both companies are owned by the private equity firm Fortress Investment Group.

The former head of digital transformation at Focus Brands takes over the top marketing job immediately.

The burger chain broke ground on a new prototype with fewer or no seats, which it says can save on buildout costs and could prompt more development.

The burger chain said that the former Huddle House executive “brings deep restaurant experience and insight” to the role.

These developments made industry news in 2021 but expect to see them surge into bigger trends next year.

Crowder previously served as the burger chain’s vice president of marketing from 2014 to 2018.

Taste Tracker: Black Bear’s festive holiday desserts, TGI Fridays Cluck-It Bucket, a hangover cure from Krystal and more new items debut in the last weeks of the year.

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