Krystal joins brands Apple, Disney, CNN and more in Vitrue's Top 100 Most Social Brands of 2009

Vitrue’s Top 100 Most Social Brands of 2009 was announced this week, and you guessed it, Krystal made the list, coming in at number 63, ahead of quick service restaurant competitor Kentucky Fried Chicken and just one under number 62 on the list, McDonald’s.

According to Mashable.com, “Vitrue’s Social Media Index (SMI) assigns brands and products a score based on overall buzz from status updates, videos, photos and blog posts. The company has tallied its results for 2009 and released its top 100 social brands based on index scoring.”

Krystal wants to thank its fans for joining in the Krystal conversations this past year on Facebook, Twitter, Krystalist.com and more, as Krystal wouldn’t have received this recognition without the support of its guests and online communities.

As for 2010, Krystal looks forward to an even bigger and better year where the team will continue to engage customers, connect with Krystal Lovers, offer exclusive deals and serve up delicious Krystal menu items for all to enjoy. So be sure to stay tuned and keep on sharing.

Surprise Santa with an Eggnog MilkQuake this year.

By now the tree has been trimmed, the stockings hung and the presents bought with only one Christmas Eve tradition left to do – leave a little treat out for Santa Claus. Now, there’s nothing wrong with the classic milk and cookie combo, but if you’re feeling creative this year, head to your nearest Krystal restaurant and pick up an Eggnog MilkQuake for ole Saint Nick. If the Quake’s popularity among Krystal guests is any measure of its great taste, Mr. Claus will be so excited you might just catch him doing a dance in his boots over the Quake’s yummy flavor.

But regardless of what you choose for Santa Claus’ holiday delights, we hope you enjoy all the cheer that comes your way this season. And from the Krystal Team, have a very Merry Christmas!

Santa is making his list and checking it twice, so you better find out if you've been Naughty or Nice!

Just when you thought the wacky holidays had come to an end for 2009 we pull out one more – Santa’s List Day. Always on December 4, Santa’s List Day answers the year-long question: Have you been Naughty or Nice? And of course, Santa knows.

Our research shows that this day was created at the North Pole by Santa and the aid of his magical elves. We hear that the gang works tirelessly to make sure the first draft of Santa’s Naughty and Nice list is done by this day, only making small revisions here and there up until Christmas Eve. Hint, Hint – if you’ve been bad, you still have time to redeem yourself.

So, if you’re in the market for a new gadget, pair of shoes, bottle of cologne, Krystal Gift Card or whatever your wish, think real hard about your behavior over the last year. Could be worth doing a few extra chores or nice gestures around the house. After all, Santa doesn’t miss much and no body wants a stick of coal in their stocking.

Follow @krystalist on Twitter to join in the holiday fun!

Anyone who’s ever played a game of Mad Libs knows that you can have a lot of fun with a simple fill-in-the-blank question. And this holiday season, Krystal is bringing the fun online and spreading cheer to its guests on Facebook and Twitter.

Krystal will be encouraging guests to “fill-in-the-blanks” and share about Thanksgiving, Black Friday and all things holiday related throughout the month of December. All you have to do is look out for these questions on Krystal’s Facebook Page and on Twitter @krystalist to participate.

And no need to reply @krystalist, just simply state your answer and include the hashtag: #krystalholidays so all your followers can see and join the conversation. We’ll feature the Top 10 Answers here on Krystalist.com!

New Krystal.com integrates Krystal's social web presence and lets guests learn about new menu items, connect with fellow fans and more.

Welcome to the all new Krystal.com (Beta).

We’re now serving up a cleaner, smarter and more interactive site designed to make your online experience with Krystal one that excites the appetite, keeps you informed and lets you connect, share and be heard.

We’ve been listening to your feedback, and with our site’s fresh new look and innovative design, it’s now easier than ever for you to navigate and find the information you crave, like our latest promotions, product information and the location of your nearest Krystal restaurant. At any time, you’re just one-click away from all your Krystal needs.

Highlights of the new Krystal.com include:

• A dynamic home page that not only showcases Krystal’s exciting new menu choices with high-impact imagery but also serves as an up-to-the-minute dashboard for key sections of the site. Guests are also able to have their voices heard directly on the home page by participating in polls, and they’re just one click away to Krystal’s blog and social media sites.
• An interactive “Menu” page puts the spotlight on all of your favorite Krystal menu items, and allows you to easily filter your menu search by day part or category. Each product on the Krystal menu has its own dedicated page that includes nutritional information and product photos. You’re also able to review your favorite meal and share with friends online with just a click of your mouse.
• A “Connect” page fully integrates Krystal’s social web presence, making it simple for visitors to join Krystal’s online communities on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and more. Guests can become a Facebook fan, spark new conversations on Twitter and watch videos all from one online location.
• A “Promotions” page makes sure you’re the first to know what’s new at your local Krystal restaurant and about upcoming events and giveaways while also serving up delicious Krystal recipes to spice up your next Krystal get together.
• A “News” page serves as the source for all Krystal press releases while also integrating stories and posts from Krystalist, the official blog of Krystal.

The initial beta launch of the new Krystal.com is just the first step to our fresh and modernized look online. For now, the site is in its “beta” phase so that it can easily evolve and be enhanced based on your feedback as well as with the ever changing web itself.

We thank you for being loyal fans of Krystal and welcome your feedback and comments on how to improve your experience at Krystal.com. Please email us anytime at info@krystalist.com.

Visit Krystal's Facebook Page to print Travel Bingo and more for the car!

While traveling this Thanksgiving holiday, how about giving yourself a break in the car by keeping the kids busy with a little help from Krystal. You can enjoy a nice and peaceful ride to grandma’s house with just a few pieces of paper and the click of a button.

Available on Krystal’s Facebook Page, Krystal’s car games include printable Krystal Libs word games, Travel Bingo and Krystal Word Searches. Just grab a few pens and pencils and you’re all set. And of course, snack time is always fun for adults and the kids, so don’t forget to map out all the Krystal locations on the way to and from your destination. It’s also a great excuse to stop and stretch your legs.

For a map and full list of Krystal restaurant locations, visit Krystal.com/storelocator. Safe Travels!

Many of our fellow Tweeps on Twitter are raving about Krystal’s new Sweet Bites. You remember those sugary, round bites of goodness that we wrote about a few posts back? We told you they’d be the new chocolate! And since we love it when our fans interact with us (ahem…such as rock stars like Mac Powell and Mark Lee of the band Third Day), it should be no surprise that we’re excited to share their comments and reviews with you here. Take a look for yourself!

Mac Powell and Mark Lee of Third Day:

@marklee3d: @macpowell I’m gonna go out on a limb and assume y’all got some of those sweet bites

@macpowell: @marklee3d You know it, bro! Sweet bites from Krystal is my new favorite snack!! Pass it on…..

2008 Krystal Hall of Famer:

@Everett_Duke http://twitpic.com/4tya7 Krystal Sweet Bites need to make it to Auburn soon… They are so good!

Krystal Lover:

@LuvJazzyBaby If yall havent tried Krystal sweet bites, you’re missin out! Those crunchy, yet soft, sweet little morsels have changed my life!e 6/ a buck!

Krystal Lover:

@samilia post graduation party was pretty sweet last night. then sober burgers. krystal has these new doughnut hole things. omg nomnomnom!

@samilia @krystalist yep, the sweet bites are very tasty.

Follow us @Krystalist.

Say what you will about the new Facebook design, there’s no denying it has enhanced the daily conversation between Krystal and its fans. With the ability for people to comment directly to status updates just as they can on their own personal pages or click the always fun “like” button, we’re getting great feedback, stories and suggestions from Krystal fans from all over the world, even as far as Iraq. If you’re not already a fan, we encourage you to stop on by the Krystal Facebook page and join the dialogue today.

Read below for a taste of a few fun and interesting tidbits you can expect to see…

Bill Gabbard posted a great picture of the Krystal located inside the Hartsfield-Atlanta International Airport – the closest location he can find to Annapolis, MD without driving to South Carolina or Virginia. Gabbard’s tip of the day: To make eating on a flight easier, double wrap your steamers in plastic. Everyone on your plane ride will thank you for it.

Krystal fans everywhere are also becoming fans of Chris Swan, who is craving Krystals like crazy while serving in Iraq. Have any tips on how to send food to soldiers in Iraq?

Dewey Moore captured a photo of “Bigfoot” trekking across the grounds at the Krystal Square Off last year. Ever spotted Bigfoot yourself?

We could go on and on, but why do that when you can check it out yourself on Krystal’s Facebook Page. You’ll be chatting with other fellow Krystal Lovers in no time.

Curt McAdams over at the Bucky’s Barbecue and Bread blog has a great post today, including some excellent photos, about his recent visit to a Krystal restaurant in Atlanta. A self-described foodie and avid outdoor cook who competes in KCBS barbecue competitions, McAdams currently lives in SW Ohio but has had family ties to Atlanta all his life, and whenever he is in town he makes sure to stop by the nearest Krystal.

Since McAdams doesn’t get to Krystal often he makes sure that when he does, he orders up a great variety of Krystal’s signature menu items. On this particular visit, it looks like he hooked himself up with a couple of Double Cheese Krystals, Krystal Chiks, a Corn Dog, a Chili Cheese Pup and some fries. Yes, the guy knows what he’s doing. And by the looks of this photo, he enjoys it.

As Curt puts it, his only complaint on this visit was that “[Krystal] used to have a spicy version [of its Chik sandwich], but they did away with it!  It was Krystal Chik squared, and it’s not available anymore!!!  I love the regular Krystal Chik, but I LOVE the spicy Krystal Chik!”

Well Curt, guess what? You just missed the launch of our new Spicy Southern Chik Basket with Fiesta Waffle Fries by a week or two. The new meal just hit stores on Monday and is already a hit. So get back down here because these Chiks are even better than the original Spicy Chik, with a southern-style breading that gives it a lighter, crispier texture but the same hot sauce flavor you love about the Spicy Chik.

Check out our post and video about the new Spicy Southern Chik Basket here.

To our readers, be sure to head over to Curt’s blog for his latest musings on all things food and more. Also be sure to check out his Flickr photostream. Not only is he pretty handy around a grill, he’s also pretty good with his Nikon D40.