Popular Southern quick-service chain Krystal is preparing to come to New Jersey.

According to SRS Real Estate Partners-Northeast LLC, the Atlanta-based concept signed a 10-year lease with three five-year renewal options for a property along Route 22 in Union.

Krystal will occupy a 2,057-square-foot drive-thru restaurant at 2210 Route 22, the real estate firm’s listing says.

A spokesperson for the chain did not immediately respond to a request for more information.

Founded in 1932, Krystal offers a wallet-friendly menu of items such as sliders, burgers, chicken sandwiches, tenders, hot dogs, corn dogs, fries and tater tots. It also offers breakfast and desserts.

2210 Route 22, Union:

Tackling a turnaround

After declaring Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2020, a SoftBank-owned investment group acquired Krystal for $48 million.

As part of a broader turnaround effort, Krystal now focuses on modernizing, rebranding and expanding beyond its roots in the Southeast. The chain’s footprint of nearly 300 locations spans about a dozen states.

USA Today’s 2019 readers’ choice awards named Krystal one of the top regional fast-food chains. It also ranked as the best late-night fast food by the publication two years ago.

New Jersey Digest noted that Paterson native and former New York Giant Victor Cruz was slated to open a Krystal in his hometown four years ago as a franchisee; however, the location has yet to open.

Under that agreement, his “Victor Cruz’s Krystal”-branded restaurants would include memorabilia from his football career. According to a December 2021 press release announcing the partnership, Cruz aimed to develop up to five locations over a two-year period.

In mid-2023, Cruz signed a lease for a Krystal location at 211 Main St. in Paterson. While he has not launched any Cruz Krystals yet, he is still listed as a franchise partner in the company’s marketing materials and credited for attracting development in New Jersey.