If you don't like Krystal You Can "Bite Me!"

Krystal 75th Anniversary Coke Bottle Auction

2008-04-21T17:30:00.004-04:00

Hello Blogosphere. If you've been reading the The Krystalist or gone to our home page at Krystal.com recently you know they we were auctioning off a special Employee only Krystal 75th Anniversary Coke bottle that is signed by our President James F. Exum Jr. and numbered No. 75 out of 500. All proceeds for this auction are to benefit FCA. This bottle is for employees only and won't be available to the public.

We were up to almost $600 when Ebay yanked it down less than 12 hours before the auction were to end. (We were 9 days into a 10 day auction) Unfortunately there was fine print involved.

SO for everyone who wants another crack at it here is the current auction that will end on Monday, April 28th. You can take a look at the auction. Or go to ebay and search for "Krystal 75th Coca Cola Commemorative bottle."

Brain Freeze Relief Video

2008-04-03T09:32:00.001-04:00

Yes, its two posts for the price of one! Make sure to see our latest video on Brain Freeze Relief. You can see this and more Brain Freeze Relief Tips at our aforementioned website: Brain Freeze Relief and don't forget to check out the Krystalist blog as well.

Slacker Marketing Coordinator

2008-04-03T08:58:00.005-04:00

Ok, due to constant pestering from our publicists I've finally dug out from my pile of work to let our fans know that, yes, I am alive....

And I admit it, I am a bad blogger....

I love reading blogs, and books about people who keep up their blogs and everyday I have hopes that I will write a witty, esoteric entry.

But it doesn't happen.

So until it does, I've left you with one of our new web banners. If you haven't tried our Krystal Freeze drinks you need to go now and as a precaution go to http://www.brainfreezerelief.com/ to prevent any such thing from happening....

Entries that are coming soon.....

75th Anniversary Coke Bottles

Krystal Square Off V

New Krystal.com Homepage 3.0

Which Holiday MilkQuake are you?

2007-12-14T11:33:00.000-05:00

Forget Black Friday! Multi-task with Krystal Gift Cards

2007-11-19T14:46:00.001-05:00

Gift cards used to be thought of as the lazy present people got when they didn't want to take the time to think about what you wanted. I'm just glad that that perspective is OVER...Gift cards are one of my favorite things to get at the holidays. And one of my main objectives when I became project manager over Gift cards was to make sure we had some cool designs for Christmas. You can pick from 4 different sleeve designs.

Think of it as multi-tasking. Go get lunch and do some shopping at the same time. There not only great gifts but perfect stocking stuffers. We've even been contacted by parents who buy larger dollar gift cards to give to their college students as a "preferred meal plan" I kid you not. Think about it. If you had this as a meal plan when you were in college would you have skipped lunch? I think not....

Why We Love Competitive Eating Fans

2007-11-12T14:31:00.000-05:00

Well folks, the dust has settled and we're finally getting back to normal at the Krystal Corporate Office. Kenny has run away to Las Vegas for a vacation so I'm here to provide some links to some great photos and recaps from KSO IV.

Here is a TON of photos from the KSO IV Championships by some Pat Bertoletti fans who drove all the way from Chicago to come the the Square Off.

A blog from the Hungry Sisters

A Flickr photostream from a Competitive Eating Fan who also attended the KSO Championships

Enjoy!

And Now A Final Recap From Liz

2007-11-01T08:33:00.000-04:00

It's me again: Liz, your favorite non-Kitty Krystal Counter reporting (let's be honest, everyone's favorite Krystal Counter is Kitty—even mine). If you didn't make it out to the competition on Sunday, you really missed something special. By catching the ESPN broadcast, you got a taste of it, but I'm sorry if you didn't get to feel that warm Chattanooga breeze coming off the water, or see the green packed with people filling up on free Krystals and playing games. You missed the eaters pulling up in their hot little Corvettes, and you missed the excitement of fans waiting on line to get autographs from their favorite eaters. I always feel like I'm missing something when I can't make it to a competition and have to settle for the televised version. I won't lie: it felt good not to miss it this time.

You'll be happy to know I made it through the competition with nary a bobble. It turns out turning numbers and counting burgers is like second nature to me. A gift, if you will. They even tried to throw me with the new fancy three digit counters that they had made in anticipation of the 100-mark being broken, but I was totally cool under the pressure and flipped like a pro. The one thing they don't warn you about is the wind, which will flip your numbers the wrong way if you aren't vigilant. The crowd will be very confused as to how your eater managed 26 Krystals in ten seconds. Luckily, I caught onto that trick right away. No weather was going to affect my performance. Unfortunately, the wind was strong enough to knock a few cups of liquid on the eaters' table, but nothing too tragic.

Prior to the competition, I had to abandon my camera with my other personal gear, since I couldn't very well tote those on stage. It was a little like being asked to abandon my left foot for a little while. I could obviously get along without the camera, but I wasn't used to it. Who would take 100 pictures of the Krystals in various stages of mastication? Who would click the camera right with the fireworks and flames went off? Would someone manage to catch the aftermath of it all? The turned over boxes, buns soaked with fruit punch, confetti and streamers draped over deserted cups. I snapped myself out of it by remembering that the whole thing would be broadcast on ESPN, which I guess counts as one continuous photo. Plus, omigod, I was going to be on stage!

It was really exhilarating getting to watch the contest from behind. While the rest of the crowd, which was gathered thickly on the steps of Ross's Landing, waited for us to show them the numbers, we were getting the information a split second before them. And because I had a lucky spot counting for Pat Bertoletti, I was getting the high numbers fast. I warned you not to count out "Humble" Bob, who kept pace with Joey Chestnut for a good amount of time. Pat would catch up and then fall behind a burger. Bob would overtake Joey for a split second, before settling in behind Pat. Then Joey would surge ahead, Bob hot on his trail, and Pat keeping an excruciatingly close third. It was eight minutes of pure drama.

Then, of course, it happened. With 20 seconds left in the competition, Joey Chestnut ate that 100th burger and Krystal Kitty flipped that magic third digit. Joey did something that happens very rarely in these competitions: he stopped for a split second and just smiled. Later he would admit he slowed down a little right at the end, but that he couldn't help that smile. He was just that happy. And so were we.

KSO IV Press Conference

2007-10-26T20:46:00.000-04:00

Here's a picture from press conference today. Both had airline delays leading up to this but everything turned out great. The weather is even cooperating! Stay tuned for more pictures as we finish setting up tomorrow....

Tuscaloosa Video

2007-10-26T16:59:00.000-04:00

http://www.tidesports.com/

And NOW A Word From......

2007-10-25T11:37:00.000-04:00

It’s a good thing I’ve been asked to be a guest blogger on this thing. Seriously, where have Kenny and Tiffany gone? I have a feeling their absence might have something to do with a giant Krystal competition coming up in a few days. Maybe it’s a little busy around the office?

In any case: hi, I’m Liz and I’ll be a Krystal Counter for the big competition on Sunday. I just got the news last week and was really excited. That emotion was quickly followed by panic. You might think those Counters are just up there looking pretty, but no. That’s an important position up there, letting the world know how many Krystals are taking up residence in the eaters. Did you know Krystal Counters can have anxiety dreams? There’s a particularly good one about counting backwards for the wrong eater before hitting a fellow Counter in the eye with my elbow.

Lucky for me, there will be an amazing show going on in front of me, which should occupy most of everyone’s attention. If Joey Chestnut hits that 100 mark like he’s been boasting he will, I can at least be assured no one will notice the Krystal Counter losing her footing and toppling off the stage.

The big question leading up to this year’s Krystal Square Off was whether Joey Chestnut could topple Takeru Kobayashi, the reigning Krystal champ. He’d beat him in hot dogs, in one of the biggest upsets in the history of competitive eating, so could he do the same with the illustrious Krystals? But then, Pat Bertoletti decided he couldn’t let these two dudes get all the glory, so managed to beat Joey in grits and waffles. Then topped it off by beating Joey and Kobayashi in a wings competition. Unheard of!

But, as we know, tragedy struck. The jaw injury that Kobayashi was nursing in July sprung up again and he let the other shoe drop: his jaw (or ego!) hurt too much for him to compete, and he removed himself from the competition. So while the crowds might be focused on the Joey/Pat showdown, there is a whole field of strong competitors this year that shouldn’t be counted out just yet. What about Tim “Eater X” Janus or Chip “The Phenom” Simpson, both of whom have had a particularly strong year? Or “Humble” Bob Shoudt, one of the biggest Krystal lovers of all time? And we’d be fools to overlook Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas, who might need just this platform to reclaim her famous man slaying skills.

Ten eaters at that big table on Sunday ate their personal bests to get there, so the passion is running strong. I’ll check in again here after the competition, when we will no doubt be reeling from a new record (and hopefully not from that one Krystal Counter who had her shirt on backwards.)

Note: Kenny and Tiffany are truly grateful for Liz's post. Without it this blog would look like a graveyard.... For more great musings go to http://www.urbanhonking.com/liz/ We are BIG fans!

Greetings from Marketing

2007-09-13T10:15:00.000-04:00

Yes, we are slackers. Its been a while since you've had a chance to hear our witty thoughts so I'm hear to tell you, wait a little longer (The Krystal Square Off doesn't run itself you know) However, while you are waiting take a moment and look at Kenny's performance in the Marketing Scramber Challenge. Kenny had to eat a Scrambler in under 30 seconds.

P.S. Everyone make sure to give Kenny a big Congratulations. He was recently promoted to Manager of Marketing Promotions.

Fantasy League Eaters

2007-08-14T16:08:00.000-04:00

Draft day for your Fantasy League is rapidly approaching. (The first day to start is this Friday)So we've uploaded the eater profiles to help you in your scouting report before the big day. Just go to www.krystalsquareoff.com and click on the Eater Profile Link and sift through all the Eaters you will have the chance to choose for your team.

And as always stay tuned for more Krystal Square Off IV updates.

Krystal Square Off Fantasy Eating is Here!

2007-08-10T17:33:00.000-04:00

Its time to put your bragging rights on the line for your competitive eating athletes!

We have finally unveiled our first ever Krystal Square Off Fantasy Eating League. I think I've even gotten Kenny to start breathing normally again. Join a league or start your own and track your team as they work their way through the Krystal Square Off IV qualifiers and then go for the glory at the Krystal Square Off IV World Hamburger Eating Championship this November in Chattanooga.

A few facts on how it works:

Each League has 4-7 teams
Each Team has 7 eaters.
The League Commissioner will determine the draft day and time (Anytime from August 17th - Midnight on August 24th.
Once draft begins each team owner has 2 minutes on the clock to make their choice of the list of competitive eaters
After the Draft is over teams may add, drop or trade eaters until the midnight before the City Finals. If a Competitive Eater hasn't participated yet you can continue to add, drop and trade until they do.

KSO IV Style

2007-08-02T08:38:00.000-04:00

You know how I know that the KSO IV Tour is coming? Everything around the office turns Square Off...and Kenny starts pacing - ALOT. In honor of Square off we've even pimped out our Myspace & Facebook profiles. But I'm sure what you're REALLY interested in is the upcoming Square Off schedule.The Square Off schedule was officially released yesterday. Here it is.

Chattanooga, Tenn. Aug. 22 – 25

Jacksonville, Fla. Aug. 31 – Sept. 3

Nashville, Tenn. Sept. 7 – 9

Knoxville, Tenn. Sept. 14 – 16

Atlanta, Ga. Sept. 21 – 23

Memphis, Tenn. Sept. 28 – 30

Perry, Ga. Oct. 5 – 7

Jackson, Miss. Oct. 12 – 14

Birmingham, AL Oct. 19 – 21

The championship date will be announced soon. (We can't tell you everything. What would you have to look forward to?)

More exciting developments for KSO.com coming soon. So stay tuned

I'm "ALL IN"

2007-07-26T09:37:00.000-04:00

Brad making the most of a leftover cake from our recent Chik'n Stik'ns luncheon. I hope I still have a job tomorrow after posting this....

More Krystal to be had at College Humor

2007-07-26T09:07:00.000-04:00

Snuggling w/ Krystal (from CollegeHumor)

Which New Flavor of MilkQuake Would You Vote For?

2007-07-13T16:28:00.000-04:00

Have I said lately that I love our Krystal Lovers? Well we were in the test kitchen tinkering with new flavor ideas for our new yummy MilkQuake and we got the idea to ask our Krystal Lovers what they thought so we put a poll out to the whole community on what they think the new Krystal MilkQuake flavor should be. We've got a great response so far but we want more!

Just go to our website and click on the Krystal Lovers logo. Sign-into the Community (because we know your already a member right?????) Then go to your profile "Krystal Lovers Live" and click on the Forum link. You'll see the MilkQuake thread. Just vote in the poll and post a response on why you voted for that flavor. All who participate get a free MilkQuake...

The choices are:

Mango
Raspberry
Banana Pudding
Peach
Reese Peanut Butter
Coffee

Chiks with Stiks

2007-07-11T16:20:00.000-04:00

We told you last month that we'd give you the chance to collect more free music downloads from Universal Music Group and, well, we're here to make good on that promise.

Beginning last Monday, you'll notice we've added a new menu item for the summer called Chik'N Stik'Ns. Now, this nifty new Krystal creation will not only please your taste buds - but it's also going to fill your music players' ear buds. See, every time you purchase the delicious, all-white meat chicken tenderloins, you'll receive two free music downloads from Universal Music Group. (And, because we're always thinking, we're serving up these tasty chicken fingers on sticks - that way, you don't get your MP3 player dirty as you're trying to download your new tunes!)

To redeem your free downloads:
- Log onto krystal.com
- Click on Universal artist William Tell (hint: he's the guy with the guitar).
- Enter the special download code (which will be printed on the scratch-off card or receipt from your Chik'N Stick'Ns purchase)

Should Kenny Join the Competitive Eating Circuit?

2007-06-27T17:54:00.000-04:00

Before each new promotional event the Marketing department gives a party for our Corporate Employees. Lots of fun, competition and prizes take place. Today was our party for our new product ChikN StikN's ..... Great fun was had by all, including a contest for the best employee picture of themselves in their new ChikN StikN's shirt.

Now on to the most interesting part. For those of you in the competitive eating community - you know Kenny is a die hard competitive eating fan. But many of you many not know that he is getting to be quite the Competitive Eater. This is a great example of what I'm talking about. Kenny, Brad (his boss) and SuperGabe from our friends at the Super Group are seeing who can eat a ChikN StikN the fastest.

Free+MilkQuake+Summer=Krystal

2007-06-26T10:13:00.000-04:00

It's hot. And if you've seen this article you know that its not getting any better. And because sweating to death just doesn't sound like a pleasant way to go - we here at Krystal decided it was time to do our part in combating these rising temps. So, after spending days in our Krystal Lab (yes, there really is a Krystal Lab and for all of your diehard Krystal blog readers you remember a video in the lab), conducting a number of scientific tests and experiments, we devised a beat the heat solution we think you'll be pleased with.

(Drum roll please)

Our beat the heat solution: our new line of premium milkshakes made from real ice-cream called MilkQuakes. No, these aren't necessarily designed to cool the atmosphere, but they are designed to cool your taste buds. Our MilkQuakes come in three flavors: Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla.

And because we just couldn't stop there, in addition to keeping you cool with our tasty MilkQuakes, we're going to help you "Chill Out" all summer long by providing you with earth-friendly tips that you can use to keep your home cool without having to crank the AC (see, that way you'll have more cash for MilkQuakes).

So here goes, our first "Chill Out" tip of the summer:

Turn off the hot stuff. Switch off your computer (after you've finished our email please) and any lights not in use. In fact, try to avoid incandescent and halogen lamps all together if you can. Go around your home and conduct a "touch test" - if it feels hot, turn it off - that simple. Haven't tried one yet? Then go to our Krystal myspace page at www.myspace.com/krystalloverslounge and get a coupon for a free MilkQuake.

So don't say we never gave you anything....

Krystal Tower O' Love

2007-06-15T14:31:00.000-04:00

"Eating 450 Krystal Boxes in 2.5 years! Construction based on the Washington Monument. When we rolled up to the Kyrstal store with it they treated us like celebrities. We are getting this picture posted in the store, we have a month worth of free food, as well as making it to the Krystal's Hall of Fame with our faces on the hamburger boxes." (from CollegeHumor)

Paula Deen Loves Krystal

2007-06-15T14:03:00.000-04:00

I am a huge fan of the Food Network. (Tiffany) Watching Food Network on Saturday mornings is my tradition (think Saturday morning cartoons for foodies) Anyways, imagine my excitement when I stumbled across this blog.

Apparantly, Paul Deen likes to stay true to her southern roots. She was on a book tour and starving so they brought in White Castles. Ugh, please....Any Southerner can see through that. Her response?

"they'd be "better with mustard; no ketchup" and "not as good as Krystals,"

We agree Paula, We agree....

Music to Your Ears

2007-06-12T14:14:00.000-04:00

Pool parties. Beach trips. Family vacations. They all call for one thing (well, maybe two): sunscreen and music. Now, we can't help you with the sunscreen, but we can help you with the music part. Because having an up-to-date playlist is a summer must, we're giving you two free music downloads from Universal.

Yeah, we said free.

Log into the Krystal Lovers Lounge at www.krystal.com and sign up to be a Krystal Lover. A download code will be sent to you and will give you two free music downloads. To redeem your code just login to the Krystal Lovers Lounge and click on William Tell (hint: He's the guy with the guitar)

And stay tuned - you'll have the chance to collect more free downloads in the future (hint: it will involve chicken and sticks and it will be delicious).

Taking over all Fast Food....

2007-05-25T13:49:00.001-04:00

Do I really need to say any more? At least we can say that Hardees' employees have good taste. It must really stink to work at a place where you hate the food....Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Steakbellie Still Supporting the Square Off

2007-05-10T08:19:00.000-04:00

As I made my daily rounds of the competitive eating blogosphere this morning, I noticed something interesting on Steakbellie's blog. Our friend Eric "Steakbellie" Livingston, the #39 ranked eater in the world, recently finished third at the Broadway at the Beach Eating Tournament. In his pictures Steakbellie has the one on the left. Notice the cup he is using. Yep, it's a Square Off III cup. I am glad to see he's representing the KSO at other contests. Steakbellie, if you need a couple new Square Off cups, let us know. We can't wait to see you & your kilt on this year's tour.