ATLANTA — December 4, 2018 — The Krystal Foundation will award $20,839 in enrichment funding to eight Chattanooga schools at a special presentation on Thursday, December 13 at the soon-to-reopen prototype restaurant at 7300 Shallowford Road. Krystal CEO and Foundation President Paul Macaluso will welcome Chattanooga students and school representatives whose schools were chosen from 114 applications received during the Foundation’s first grant window for the 2018-2019 academic year.

 

“The Foundation is Krystal’s legacy, and Chattanooga is extra special to us, because it’s where Krystal was born,” said Macaluso. “We want to be part of improving the quality of life here for future generations.”

 

The check presentation will take place over breakfast at the redesigned location days before it reopens for business on Monday, December 17. The redesign is part of a strategic initiative to improve the dining experience for guests and adapt to changes in consumer behavior, according to Macaluso, who says Krystal is experiencing more drive-through business, especially for late-night and breakfast. The new drive-through design is built for speed and serviceability with a single window, expanded work zone and double drive-lane.

 

The 1,788 square-foot restaurant replaces the previous 2,200 square-foot structure and is positioned for better visibility from the street. The kitchen and facilities layout maximizes efficiency and employee awareness. Krystal plans to scrape and rebuild 25 locations across Tennessee over the next two years. Tennessee is home to 97 Krystal restaurants, out of more than 350 across the Southeast (including franchises). The company will redesign 75-100 restaurants over the next five years.

 

The current Foundation grant window extends to December 31, 2018, with recipients to be announced in 2019, when Krystal plans to award an additional $100,000. Teachers, principals, school faculty, PTO/PTA groups and other K-12 school-affiliated organizations are all eligible to apply. Those wishing to apply for a grant may do so by visiting thekrystalfoundation.com.

 

About The Krystal Company

Founded in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1932, The Krystal Company is the original quick-service restaurant chain in the South. Its hamburgers are still served fresh and hot off the grill on the iconic square bun at over 350 restaurants in 11 states. Krystal’s Atlanta-based Restaurant Support Center serves a team of 6,000 employees. For more information, visit krystal.com.

 

About The Krystal Foundation

Founded in Atlanta, Georgia in 2016, The Krystal Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Its mission is to strengthen, enhance and enrich Krystal’s neighborhood schools and families. The Foundation provides need-based grants to communities in its 11 states, which have extracurricular program elimination or cutback. The Foundation will support programs that are focused in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics), culinary arts, music and sports. For more information, visit thekrystalfoundation.com.

 

Media Contact:
Laura Mansfield, APR
The Tombras Group
+1 (865) 599.9968
lmansfield@tombras.com