Krystals is not as good. They are the same shape and stuff, but the flavor just isn’t as good or moist. I don’t know why.
Poor quality has caused several locations to close. Kystals were once all over South Carolina in the late 80s but that expansion only lasted a few years and retracted back to early 80s levels. About two years ago they opened 3 new locations in Greenville SC and were looking at opening more in the area. As of this year there is now only one in Greenville and the others seem to put on indefinite hold.
I always like to look at these places websites to see new openings announced but get the same answer, nowhere near where I live.
Some stores steam the paddies with minced onions rather than frying them. The bun is also placed under the steamer and absorbs some of the meat flavor.
The first hamburger stand of this type I encountered was Milligan’s BeefyBurger in Orlando. The “Beefy” was a confession that it was not all beef but some oatmeal and soy flour. They sold for 12 cents each with mustard and dill pickle and were worth every penny.