When most people think of fast food royalty, McDonald’s often comes to mind. However, the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, had other preferences. Instead of frequenting the golden arches, he consistently craved the flavorful, bite-sized sliders from Krystal—a Southern chain known for its square burgers cooked with onions.
This preference didn’t just show up during a few road trips. Over the years, Elvis Presley built a reputation for choosing Krystal over its more famous competitors, shaping part of the burger lore in music and fast food history alike.
A Flavor That Stayed With Him
Elvis developed his appreciation for hearty, comforting meals early in life. He often leaned into rich Southern dishes like meatloaf and mashed potatoes, even reportedly eating them for dinner every night for half a year. But while home-cooked meals played a key role in his diet, fast food sliders became a major staple too.
After DJ "Daddy-O" Dewey Phillips first introduced Elvis Presley to local radio audiences, the duo celebrated with 100 Krystal burgers. They handed out every last one to fans during a public event that quickly turned into a celebratory frenzy. From that day forward, those little sliders earned a permanent spot in Elvis’s go-to menu.
Instagram | @thestockandbarrel | Elvis found joy in sliders during a moment of celebration that stayed with him forever.
A Regular Order at Graceland
At Graceland, his Memphis mansion, Krystal sliders frequently arrived for Elvis and his guests. While McDonald’s occasionally made an appearance, Elvis favored the familiar steam-cooked onions and square patties that Krystal became famous for. The loyalty he showed the brand spoke volumes. Unlike mass-produced chain meals, Krystal’s offerings seemed to deliver something uniquely satisfying—comfort and flavor packed into a palm-sized burger.
Krystal’s Unlikely Origins and Southern Spirit
Krystal’s story began during one of the toughest economic periods in U.S. history—the Great Depression. The first Krystal was founded in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1932 by Rody Davenport Jr. and J. Glenn Sherrill. The building only measured 25 by 10 feet, but that didn’t stop customers from lining up. With six sliders and a cup of coffee going for just 35 cents, Krystal quickly carved out its place in the fast food world.
Elvis Presley, who came from humble beginnings, was likely drawn to Krystal's affordable and accessible meals. These weren’t just burgers—they were reminders of simpler times and down-home flavor.
What Sets Krystal Apart Today
Even though decades have passed, Krystal has kept its charm intact. The menu now offers far more than sliders. Visitors can find:
1. Breakfast favorites include biscuits with gravy and scrambler bowls.
2. Chicken slider sandwiches
3. Chili cheese pups (mini hot dogs)
4. Crispy wings
5. Classic fries or tater tots
6. Hand-spun milkshakes
Still, the iconic onion-steamed sliders remain the star of the show. People can grab them individually or by the sackful, echoing the way fans once received them from Elvis Presley himself.
McDonald’s Is Everywhere, But Krystal Stays Iconic in the South
Instagram | @todayshow | Elvis stayed loyal to Krystal burgers because they brought him comfort and taste every time.
McDonald’s continues to dominate the American landscape with thousands of locations, even one tucked inside the Pentagon. In contrast, Krystal’s footprint remains smaller yet deeply rooted in Southern states. With under 300 locations, primarily in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Mississippi, Krystal holds onto its niche as a regional treasure.
For many fans of both Southern comfort and music history, it’s more than a meal—it’s a piece of legacy. That’s part of why the Krystal slider continues to matter to so many.
Why His Loyalty to Krystal Still Matters
Elvis Presley’s burger preference wasn’t just a quirky fun fact—It was a reflection of his background, ideals, and closeness to regular people. He may have reached legendary status, but he stayed grounded in small comforts.
The story of Elvis and Krystal reminds readers that even the most iconic stars find joy in the simplest things. In a world flooded with options, the King chose flavor, tradition, and a bit of Southern hospitality—served hot on a square bun.
The King’s Taste Lives On
Though Elvis Presley passed decades ago, his culinary favorites continue to inspire curiosity and loyalty. Krystal sliders hold a nostalgic place in American food culture, not only because of their taste but because they connected an icon with his fans in such a tangible way.
Whether visiting Tennessee or spotting a Krystal on a Southern road trip, fans still pay tribute to the King by ordering what he loved most. In many ways, the grill may have cooled, but the legend behind that burger order still sizzles.