Krystal is coming to North Carolina. Is Wilmington a candidate for future locations?

Krystal Restaurant is planning to make an appearance in Wilson, marking the announcement of the first location in North Carolina.

The expansion of the southern fast-food chain went public in mid-March, with Krystal detailing plans for a new contemporary design at the Wilson location, scheduled to open this summer, according to Business Wire. The burger joint will open inside a Circle K convenience store.

Krystal currently operates across nine other states with over 100 locations, majority of which are in Georgia and Tennessee, according to its webpage.

Here's what to know about the popular chain and any potential for a Wilmington location.

What is Krystal?

Krystal was founded in October of 1932 inside a 25 by 10-foot building in Chattanooga Tennessee -- meaning the restaurant has been around for almost a century, according to Krystal's history webpage.

The first order placed at the restaurant was for six hamburgers and a cup of coffee, totaling 35 cents. Since opening, the fast-food chain has sold over 10 billion burgers.

Krystal is well-known for its square slider hamburgers, which some have compared to a similar Northern competitor -- White Castle. Each Krystal burger is topped with "diced onions, mustard, and a slice of dill pickle, all on Krystal's signature steamed bun," according to their webpage.

However, Krystal doesn't just serve their popular sliders. Its menu consists of breakfast options, loaded fries, tater tots, "pups," chicken sliders, shrimp baskets, and more.

With locations open 24 hours a day, Krystal is a morning, afternoon, and late-night food option for customers.

What are the plans for the Wilson location?

The Wilson location is expected to "debut the brand's new C-store design" inside of a Circle K convenience store, according to the Business Wire. The layout will maximize restaurant square footage, increase guest accessibility, and mutually benefit "operations flow between the restaurant and convenience store partners."

Krystal is focused on improving its layout designs in both new and existing markets, according to the Business Wire.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Krystal and bring the brand to Wilson,” Josh Ware, head of restaurants for Circle K, said in the article. “Our brands are aligned on strategic efforts to serve multiple dayparts, and we look forward to welcoming guests to experience the iconic Krystal menu in an innovative space alongside the great products and offers available at Circle K.”

What about Wilmington?

With a Krystal expansion initiative underway and the first location slated to open in North Carolina this summer, Wilmington emerges as a potential prospect for future development.

Krystal's collaboration with Circle K further enhances Wilmington's appeal as a potential site. Wilmington is currently home to at least seven Circle K locations across the Port City, as well as ones in neighboring Brunswick and Pender counties. Given the prevalence, Wilmington could be well-suited for Krystal's expansion efforts.

Though, with many Krystal locations situated along interstates and major roadways, Wilmington might not emerge as the optimal choice for opening a quick food pit-stop for travelers. As a coastline city sitting at the end of I-40, Wilmington may not be the immediate second choice for an additional North Carolina establishment.

Aside from the possible draws and drawbacks, lovers of the burger chain will have to await any official announcement from Krystal before getting their hopes up. Currently, Krystal has not yet indicated any plans to expand into Wilmington.

What's the closest Krystal?

Until the Wilson restaurant opens, the closet Krystal for Wilmington residents is in Aiken, South Carolina.

Located at 1980 Whiskey Road in Aiken, this location is roughly a four-hour drive outside of the Port City. Delivery and pickup are available at the 24-hour restaurant.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Krystal locations: With a store coming to NC, is Wilmington next?