Where Elvis Dined For One Of His Favorite Fast Food Burgers

Elvis Presley wasn't just the King of Rock and Roll — he was also a true Southern man with an epically decadent appetite. From his infamous grilled peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwich to fried chicken and peach cobbler, his culinary preferences were as legendary (and long-lasting) as his music. The man also loved a simple, classic hamburger, and when it came to fast food, one chain stood out: Krystal. Often considered the South's answer to White Castle, it's famous for its small, square-shaped burgers with steamed onions, mustard, and a soft, pillowy bun. Founded in Chattanooga, Tennessee, during the early years of the Great Depression, Krystal's headquarters were just across the state from the King's home in Memphis. 

Born and raised in the South, Elvis had a deep-rooted love for its food culture, and Krystal was, and still is, a staple Southern fast food chain. In fact, the burger chain claims that Elvis actually kicked off his career with Krystal. After a local DJ, "Daddy-O" Dewey Phillips, put Elvis on the air for the first time, they celebrated by ordering 100 sliders from a Krystal in downtown Memphis, knowing that some instant fans would soon swarm the station. Sure enough, a gaggle of brand-new devotees showed up, and received a free slider for their troubles. Just a couple of years later, Krystal would open their first drive-thru, of which Elvis and his infamous cadre, the Memphis Mafia, would soon take advantage. 

Danny Smith, both a kid member of the "Mafia" and Elvis' second cousin, has fond memories of his father and the King going for late-night food runs. On his YouTube channel, "Memphis Mafia Kid," he reflects on the fast food Elvis would go for: "A lot of the times, Krystal hamburgers was probably one of the main ones." Smith goes on to note that it was never just for him, but rather a gigantic order for whomever happened to be hanging around his home at the time. "And he had ordered, oh, gobs and gobs of them. And everybody up in Graceland would eat on them." 

To be sure, no one ever eats just one Krystal burger. Their diminutive size and price (a little over a buck) usually call for them to be ordered by the dozen, why is why Krystal literally offers something called the "Sackful." This aptly named order includes 12 "little square treasures in a steam-filled sack." Priscilla Presley, Elvis's ex-wife, backed up this anecdote in a 2017 interview with the local ABC affiliate in Memphis, telling them, "The hamburgers were so small! He didn't like big things to eat." (Though this statement doesn't agree with the story of Elvis and the Colorado's Fool's Gold Sandwich.) 

With his loyal Memphis Mafia entourage, Elvis was rarely alone, and Krystal's small, shareable burgers were ideal for group feasting. While the man had many famous food obsessions, his love for Krystal adds another delicious layer to his gourmand inclinations.