Krystal Co. To Move Restaurant Support Center to Atlanta

Oct. 5, 2012 - PRLog -- As part of its strategic repositioning, The Krystal Company announced today that it will relocate its corporate office, called the Restaurant Support Center (RSC), from its current location in Chattanooga to Atlanta in early 2013.  The move will allow the company to deliver support to its 350 restaurants more effectively from Atlanta’s central location, particularly with its high concentration of restaurants in and around the Atlanta area.

The relocation is part of the ongoing efforts of Krystal’s new president and CEO Doug Pendergast, along with the entire corporate leadership team, to increase customer satisfaction, grow sales and profits, and improve franchisee success.

Pendergast made the announcement well in advance to ease the transition for Krystal’s approximately 60 RSC employees, who represent almost 1% of the total employee population. The majority of the team can apply for new positions in the Atlanta office, and relocation packages will be offered in many cases. Severance packages and job search assistance will also be offered to those impacted by the relocation.    The move would not affect the 6,000+ employees in restaurants, except in providing them better and more efficient support.

“Chattanooga has been a wonderful home for Krystal, and we appreciate the support of the community, who are part of our family,” said Pendergast. “Our five-year plan calls for a very aggressive growth and Atlanta provides a more central location with access to the one of the country’s largest airports.  Our new support center will enable us to provide better support to our existing restaurants and to accelerate new restaurant development across the southeast.”

Krystal plans to add at least 150 new units in the next five years, creating thousands of new jobs and providing current employees with the greatest opportunity for advancement.  Krystal’s new leadership team has also outlined a plan for an improved customer experience designed to grow sales.  Later this year it will begin testing prototypes for a new restaurant design and developing new menu items designed keep its brand fresh and exciting.

Pendergast added:  “Our greatest regret is that while this move makes good business sense, it impacts the people who have helped make this company what it is.  That is why we are announcing this intent as early as we can, providing employees with as much time as possible to adapt.  We believe that by working hard to improve our products, service, and restaurants, we can help Krystal return to growth mode and begin adding new stores and jobs, in both existing markets and new markets.”

Krystal will continue to honor Chattanooga as its birthplace as well as its founding family, the Davenports.  To underscore the company’s entrepreneurial legacy, plans are underway for an 80th anniversary celebration in Chattanooga next year.

Krystal is working with Mr. Harold Wyatt, of Wyatt Realty Company as their designated real estate professionals, to identify an RSC location in the Perimeter area of Atlanta.

About Krystal
Founded in 1932, Krystal restaurants have become known for their small square hamburgers that are not only steeped in tradition, but in onions, mustard and pickles. Over the years, the food offered by Krystal has become a cultural icon and a part of the southern experience. The Krystal Company is the oldest quick service restaurant chain in the South and the second oldest in the United States. The unique brand currently has nearly 350 restaurants in eleven states. For more information visit: www.Krystal.com; on Facebook at:  Official Krystal Lover Community or on Twitter:  @Krystal

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