AGENDA Versus

Sandwich Skirmish after opening its first spot in downtown Chattanooga eight decades ago, Krystal moves its corporate HQ to this month. The fast-food chain known for steamy, -filled, square burgers is ubiquitous in the Southeast, where its nearly 400 restaurants are clustered. With the relo, Krystal brings the battle for brand loyalty directly to the home turf of that fast-food titan and symbol of Southernism, Chick-fil-A. Here’s how the dueling peddlers stack up. feifei— sun

CHICK-FIL-A KRYSTAL 1967 (offshoot of Dwarf Grill, est. 1946) Founded 1932 1,615 and counting Locations 380 and counting Closed on Sundays Hours 24/7

The place for post–kiddie soccer match Unofficial Rep The place for cheap and greasy postboozing snacks outings—Saturday only (see above) (see above) in the South; KFC everywhere Category White Castle, primarily based in the Midwest else in the world Competitor and New York State The Chicken Sandwich Signature The Famous Krystal Serving size: 170g; Calories: 440; Sandwich Serving size: 65g; Calories: 130; Total fat: 6g Total fat: 16g

Commercials starring spelling-challenged cows Advertising Spots from 2011 showed look-alike mascots from begging customers to “eat mor chikin” are among the competitors such as and Wendy’s Audacity decade’s most iconic ads. discreetly getting Krystal fixes.

Tours of the home office in Atlanta are offered Sharing the Starting in 2004, began inducting “most devoted six times a week and include a chance to get close customers” into the Krystal Lovers Hall of Fame. Love with those cows. Inductees get their faces on 1 million burger boxes.

In 2012 its Montgomery Plaza location in Fort Worth Tech Savvy In 2003 launched the Krystal HotSpot; by 2005 was the became the city’s first LEED Gold–certified restaurant. largest fast-food free Wi-Fi provider

Former presidential contender Mike Huckabee called Political Ronald Reagan once requested Krystal for fan appreciation day after the company’s president burgers on a flight from Chattanooga to D.C. caught flak for controversial remarks on gay marriage. Endorsement COW: COURTESY OF CHICK-FIL-A; REAGAN: AP PHOTO/BEBETO MATTHEWS AP PHOTO/BEBETO REAGAN: OF CHICK-FIL-A; COURTESY COW:

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20 | ATLANTA | FEBRUARY 2013 PHOTOGRAPH BY KYLE BURDG