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Krystal Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)

Fast-food chain specializing in small, square-shaped hamburgers, offering a menu of affordable and quick meal options.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

Franchisees

?

143
+
36%
36%
Franchise fee

?

$35,000
Investment

?

$788,000 - $2,160,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

Undisclosed

$964,000

+
n.a.
n.a.
Sign up to unlock

Krystal has long held a special place in the American fast-food landscape, recognized for its signature square hamburgers and deep Southern roots. The brand traces its origins back to 1932 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where founders Rody Davenport Jr. and J. Glenn Sherrill introduced a dining concept centered on cleanliness, consistency, and value—an approach that resonated during the challenging era of the Great Depression.

The restaurant’s name was inspired by a crystal lawn ornament that caught the attention of Davenport’s wife. She remarked that a restaurant should reflect the same sparkling clarity, leading to the creation of “Krystal”—a name deliberately spelled with a “K” to give it a unique and memorable identity.

Initially operating through company-owned locations, Krystal began offering franchise opportunities in 1990, opening the door for entrepreneurs to become part of its growing legacy.

Initial investment

The initial investment required for a Krystal franchise is $788,000 - $2,160,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Krystal offers 2 types of franchises:

Type of Krystal Franchise Initial Investment Range
Standard Traditional or Non-Traditional Franchise $1,380,500 – $2,160,000
Conversion Franchise $788,000 – $1,520,000

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Standard Traditional or Non-Traditional Krystal Franchise. For more information on costs required to start a Krystal franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $35,000 – $35,000
Professional Fees and Closing Costs $6,000 – $10,000
Site Development $300,000 – $500,000
Building Construction $500,000 – $800,000
Equipment $280,000 – $330,000
Computers, Network, and POS Systems $30,000 – $60,000
Signage $50,000 – $140,000
Insurance $9,000 – $15,000
Architecture Fees and Permits $55,000 – $80,000
Onsite Assistance and Opening Support $10,000 – $10,000
Opening Training Expenses $12,000 – $15,000
Initial Inventory $12,000 – $18,000
Grand Opening Advertising $7,500 – $15,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs $24,000 – $32,000
Additional Funds – 3 Months $50,000 – $100,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment $1,380,500 – $2,160,000

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Krystal offers 2 types of franchises:

Type of Krystal Franchise Initial Investment Range
Standard Traditional or Non-Traditional Franchise $1,380,500 – $2,160,000
Conversion Franchise $788,000 – $1,520,000

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Standard Traditional or Non-Traditional Krystal Franchise. For more information on costs required to start a Krystal franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $35,000 – $35,000
Professional Fees and Closing Costs $6,000 – $10,000
Site Development $300,000 – $500,000
Building Construction $500,000 – $800,000
Equipment $280,000 – $330,000
Computers, Network, and POS Systems $30,000 – $60,000
Signage $50,000 – $140,000
Insurance $9,000 – $15,000
Architecture Fees and Permits $55,000 – $80,000
Onsite Assistance and Opening Support $10,000 – $10,000
Opening Training Expenses $12,000 – $15,000
Initial Inventory $12,000 – $18,000
Grand Opening Advertising $7,500 – $15,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs $24,000 – $32,000
Additional Funds – 3 Months $50,000 – $100,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment $1,380,500 – $2,160,000

Franchise Disclosure Document

Below is Krystal's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.

Number of units

Krystal had 280 total units in 2024, of which 143 were franchised-owned and 137 company-owned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Competitors

Below are some of

Krystal

key competitors in the

Burger

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Royalty fee
Total investment
Revenue
Unlock
EBITDA
Unlock

143

New
+
36%
36%

5.00%

$788,000

-

$2,160,000

$964,000

n.a.

$xxx,xxx

10.1%

xx%

n.a.

Training

Krystal provides a multi-layered training system designed to prepare franchisees and their teams for effective restaurant operations and ongoing success. Training includes corporate programs, hands-on support, and specialized modules for new and existing team members.

  1. General Manager Training Program (GMT Program)
    Franchisees, including the Operating Owner and General Manager, must complete the GMT Program before opening. It is conducted at a designated location, covers operational procedures, and is provided free for up to seven participants.
  2. Franchisee Orientation Program
    This five-day program held at Krystal’s corporate headquarters includes 40 hours of on-the-job training across various functions such as operations, marketing, and technology. Attendance is required for the Operating Owner and other leadership if not attending the GMT Program.
  3. Restaurant Management Training
    Conducted during the 10 days leading up to the opening, this hands-on training is part of the Onsite Assistance and Opening Support Fee. It includes travel and accommodation expenses for Krystal trainers.

Territory Protection

Krystal grants franchisees a non-exclusive “Protected Area” based on factors like urban or suburban location, demographics, and proximity to existing units. The typical radius ranges from 0.5 to 1 mile in urban settings, and up to 5 miles in rural ones.

While Krystal agrees not to open another restaurant within this area during the agreement term, the franchisee does not receive an exclusive territory. Despite the protection, Krystal retains broad rights to operate or license others at Non-Traditional Locations such as airports, colleges, or stadiums—even within the Protected Area.

The franchisor also reserves the right to distribute products through retail, delivery, e-commerce, or other channels without compensating the franchisee. Moreover, multi-area marketing programs may allow other Krystal outlets to promote or sell within the territory.

Competitors

Below are some of Krystal's key competitors in the Burger sector.

Buns on Fire

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$255,000 - $462,000
Revenue

?

Sign up to unlock
Undisclosed

$0

Sammy's Sliders

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$328,000 - $713,000
Revenue

?

Sign up to unlock
Undisclosed

$0

Home Frite

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$351,000 - $506,000
Revenue

?

Sign up to unlock
Undisclosed

$0

iniBurger

Franchisees

?

3
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$302,000 - $686,000
Revenue

?

Sign up to unlock
Undisclosed

$1,170,000

Harlem Shake

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$412,000 - $849,000
Revenue

?

Sign up to unlock
Undisclosed

$0

Good Stuff Eatery

Franchisees

?

5
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$633,000 - $962,000
Revenue

?

Sign up to unlock
Undisclosed

$0

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