He’s bringing it back to his hometown!
Radio mogul Charlamagne Tha God, real name Lenard McKelvey, is set to open his first “Krystal” fast-food restaurant in South Carolina, Black Enterprise reports. The Atlanta-based burger chain has teamed up with the Charleston native and his wife, Jessica Gadsden-McKelvey, to open a location in Orangeburg, a city Charlamagne says is near and dear to his heart.
“Orangeburg is special to us because it’s the home of South Carolina State University, my mother’s alma mater, while my wife’s father is an alumni of Claflin University. I also have an honorary degree from SCSU, where I established the Ford Family Endowed Scholarship Fund, so it’s a blessing to continue this mission of providing opportunities and jobs to South Carolinians,” he told reporters.
The new Orangeburg location is one of nearly 300 Krystal chains set to open across the Southeast. It is also the fourth franchise that the restaurant opened in South Carolina, along with other chains in Aiken, Gaffney, and North Augusta. The “Breakfast Club” host says he’s excited to bring Krystal to his home state and looks forward to continuing to give back. He plans to open more locations with Krystal in the future.
“It’s always an amazing feeling to come back and give back. I hope the community will enjoy my favorite eats from Krystal for years to come!,” said Charlamagne.
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The location opened its doors on December 9th, and an official grand opening event is slated for the 20th. Charlamagne is expected to attend with his family, and there will be performances, local officials, and exclusive Krystal and Charlamagne Tha God merchandise.
“Charlamagne’s cultural impact speaks for itself, and bringing his energy to Krystal’s newest location is a game-changer,” said Josh Kern, CEO of Krysal’s parent company, SPB Hospitality.
The new Krystal is located at 1486 Chestnut St., Orangeburg, SC, and will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Cover photo: Charlamagne Tha God to Open ‘Krystal’ Fast Food Restaurant in South Carolina/Photo credit: MTV Entertainment Group