Pro Football Champion Victor Cruz Helps Bring Krystal to New Jersey for the First Time June 4

Krystal will open its first New Jersey restaurant June 4 in Union, marking the brand’s Northeast debut and bringing more than 65 jobs to the local community.

For brand partner Victor Cruz, a Paterson, New Jersey native and New York pro football legend, the opening carries personal significance.

“North Jersey raised me, and that means something. People here have high standards for food, for authenticity, for places that actually feel like part of the neighborhood,” said Cruz. “That’s why I’ve been involved from day one, right down to helping craft menu items made exclusively for this location. This community deserves something built with them in mind, and that’s exactly what we did.”

The Union location will serve Krystal’s full menu of iconic sliders, craveable sides, signature breakfast and value-focused offerings, plus an exclusive lineup developed with Cruz that reflects the flavors and culture of North Jersey. Highlights include Cruz Sauce, a sofrito mayo, available on any Krystal favorite; the Taylor Pork Roll Slider; Tres Leches Glaze Bombs and a Tres Leches Milkshake; Yuca Fries; and the Cruz Blue Milkshake, among others. Breakfast guests can also look forward to items like Fish & Grits, Bacon, Egg & Cheese and Sausage, Egg & Cheese Wraps.

Club Krystal is the brand’s loyalty program to earn points and access app-based bundles.

“Opening our first restaurant in New Jersey is a major milestone for Krystal and an important next step for the brand,” said Amanda Hyde, Chief Operating Officer of Krystal. “Krystal has always had fans beyond the South, and now we’re proud to introduce the full experience to the Northeastern community. Victor has been an incredible partner throughout this process because he understands this market personally and brings passion and authenticity to this opening.”

The restaurant is located along the Route 22 retail corridor, easily accessible from the Garden State Parkway and near Kean University, one of the most trafficked commercial stretches in Union County.

Krystal is actively hiring for the Union location, with positions available across restaurant operations and opportunities for growth.

A grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Cruz, local elected officials and chamber representatives is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m., with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony taking place at 10:45 a.m. Members of the marching band, football, dance and cheer teams from Township of Union public schools will join the celebration, while Magic 98.3 keeps the energy high from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests can enjoy giveaways, community activations and Krystal’s signature sliders served fresh off the grill.