Circle K and Krystal Restaurants are partnering on a new convenience-store design as the latter plans a nationwide expansion.
“The new build will boast a sleek and contemporary design and cater to consumers’ on-the-go dining desires,” the Atlanta-based quick-service restaurant (QSR) company said. The companies expect the first location to open in Wilson, North Carolina, this summer.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Krystal and bring the brand to Wilson,” said Josh Ware, head of restaurants for Circle K, which is owned by Laval, Quebec-based Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. “Our brands are aligned on strategic efforts to serve multiple dayparts, and we look forward to welcoming guests to experience the iconic Krystal menu in an innovative space alongside the great products and offers available at Circle K.”
- Alimentation Couche-Tard is No. 2 on CSP’s 2023 Top 202 list of U.S. convenience-store chains by store count.
This layout maximizes restaurant square footage and increases customer accessibility and a mutually beneficial operations flow between the convenience-store and restaurant partners, Krystal Restaurants said.
“We are proud to bring our standout business model and our innovative restaurant design to the state of North Carolina,” said Josh Kern, CEO of Houston-based SPB Hospitality, which owns Krystal and other restaurant brands. “As we continue to focus on expanding the reach of our brand and how we can best serve our guests, design plays a key role, and we look forward to continued operations optimization in both our traditional and non-traditional layouts.”
With an eye toward sustained growth, Krystal is deploying its efficient layout designs in new and existing markets, the company said. “This strategic expansion underscores the brand’s ambition to fortify its presence and redefine the quick-service restaurant industry through innovative design and guest-focused experiences.”
Krystal, whose hamburgers have been served fresh on a square bun since 1932, has grown to be in 10 states with nearly 300 restaurants. In 2019, Krystal was selected to USA Today’s Top-10 Best Regional Fast Food List.
Alimentation Couche-Tard operates more than 7,100 stores in the United States, primarily under the Circle K and Holiday Stationstores banners.
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