Krystal, the iconic Southern quick-service chain famous for its signature square sliders since 1932, officially opened its doors in New Jersey today. Located at 2210 Route 22 East in Union, the new restaurant marks the brand’s highly anticipated Northeast debut and brings more than 65 jobs to the local community.
The expansion comes with heavy local backing from brand partner Victor Cruz. A Paterson, New Jersey native and New York pro football legend, Cruz has been intimately involved in bringing the chain to his home state.
“North Jersey raised me, and that means something. People here have high standards for food, for authenticity, for places that actually feel like part of the neighborhood,” Cruz said. “That’s why I’ve been involved from day one, right down to helping craft menu items made exclusively for this location. This community deserves something built with them in mind, and that’s exactly what we did.”
While the Union location will serve Krystal’s classic lineup of sliders, breakfast, and value items, it will also feature an exclusive, North Jersey-inspired menu developed alongside Cruz. Local flavor additions include:
- Cruz Sauce: A specialty sofrito mayo that can be added to any item.
- The Taylor Pork Roll Slider: A nod to the classic New Jersey staple.
- Tres Leches Treats: Featuring Tres Leches Glaze Bombs and a Tres Leches Milkshake.
- Yuca Fries & The Cruz Blue Milkshake.
Breakfast visitors can also sample regional and Southern crossovers, including Fish & Grits alongside traditional bacon, egg, and cheese wraps.
Situated along the bustling Route 22 retail corridor, the restaurant sits near Kean University and is easily accessible from the Garden State Parkway. The opening marks the beginning of a broader Northeast push for the Atlanta-headquartered chain, which currently operates nearly 300 locations across 13 states.
“Opening our first restaurant in New Jersey is a major milestone for Krystal and an important next step for the brand,” Amanda Hyde, chief operating officer of Krystal said. “Krystal has always had fans beyond the South… Victor has been an incredible partner throughout this process because he understands this market personally.”
While the restaurant is officially open for business as of today, a formal grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for June 17 starting at 10:00 a.m.
The event will feature Victor Cruz, local elected officials, and chamber representatives, with the official ribbon-cutting taking place at 10:45 a.m. The festivities will include giveaways, a live broadcast from Magic 98.3, and performances by the Township of Union public schools’ marching band, football, dance, and cheer teams.
