Little-Burger Brand, Krystal, Goes Big On Personality In New Ad Campaign

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Wednesday, March 30th, 2016

Inspired by the idea that "different is good," The Krystal Company unveiled its newest ad campaign "Shun the Ho-Hum."Known throughout the country, and famous in the South for its iconic square burgers, the quick service restaurant brand has a long-established history of standing out from the crowd. The new campaign spotlights this with clever humor, and unforgettable commercials featuring favorite menu items brought to life as characters by Jim Henson's Creature shop.  Developed by Bright Red\TWBA, Krystal's new Advertising Agency of Record, it's a fresh concept for the highly competitive quick-service restaurant market.

"Krystal has always embraced being different," said Jason Abelkop, Chief Marketing Officer for Krystal. "From our signature small square burgers, to offering unique menu items like Pups and breakfast with fresh-cracked eggs, to inventive flavors for our milkshakes with real ice cream, to our exciting limited-time only menu offerings throughout the year… we really enjoy marching to our own drum."

"Shun the Ho-Hum" definitely reflects that attitude in commercials filled with clever humor delivered by playful puppet versions of The Classic Krystal, Krystal Chik, Krystal Fries, and Country-Fried Krystal - a new limited-time only menu addition. "Each character was created to be easy to relate to, while remaining authentic to the brand," explained Jason Hatfield, Client Success Officer at Bright Red\TWBA. "These guys are fun, with a bit of attitude and they simply enjoy being themselves and doing their own thing. That's at the heart of the Krystal brand experience." Additional advertising support includes equally witty phrases that further reinforce the idea of individuality such as "Satisfy Your Gravy Tooth." New characters relating to special promotions and menu items may be added to the campaign as it runs over the next 10-12 months. "This campaign is going to be lots of fun for fans of Krystal and lovers of quick, tasty food that's anything but boring," said Angela Johnson, Director of Marketing Communications for Krystal. "We chose Bright Red to bring this thinking to life because of their philosophy around disruption and their ability to overcome conventions, both in the category and with the audience."

Commercials and characters can be viewed online at www.krystal.com as well as on the brand's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/krystalloverslounge. The brand also has plans to expand the "Shun the Ho-Hum" campaign and its characters across print publications, outdoor, digital and social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.