When you think of Elvis Presley, a few things immediately come to mind: swiveling hips, a voice that could melt butter, and, of course, a wildly indulgent appetite. This was a man who didn’t just eat—he feasted.
While the peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwich is the undisputed heavyweight champ of Elvis food lore, there’s another bite-sized bombshell worth crowning: Elvis had a favorite burger, and it wasn’t homemade. It came wrapped in paper from a fast food joint.
So, what burger could satisfy the hunger of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll? What savory masterpiece could stand tall among the rhinestones and gold records?
The answer: the cheeseburger from Krystal.
Tiny Burger, Big Love
That’s right. Elvis was ride-or-die for Krystal, the Southern burger chain known for its tiny, square-shaped sliders that pack a salty, steamy punch. Think White Castle’s Southern cousin, but with more sass and a whole lot more love from the King himself.
Legend has it that whenever Elvis was on the road—or heck, even when he wasn’t—he’d send members of his entourage on Krystal runs, sometimes ordering dozens of burgers at a time.
We’re not talking about grabbing a quick six-pack for a midnight snack. We’re talking entire boxes of burgers, stacked high like a greasy, glistening mountain of meaty devotion. And no, this wasn’t a one-time splurge. Krystal was a regular request on the Presley menu.
So what made these humble sliders worthy of such royal affection? For Elvis, it was about more than the taste. It was about the memories. The nostalgia. The bite-sized comfort of a food that felt like home—even when he was thousands of miles from Graceland.
There was something about that steamy bun, the thin, griddled patty, the oozy American cheese, the tang of mustard, and the snap of pickles that just hit.
The Legend of the Krystal Jet Run
And if you thought Elvis just enjoyed a Krystal burger now and then, buckle up. The most legendary tale of all? The time he flew a private jet just to satisfy his craving.
According to multiple reports and biographers, Elvis once dispatched his personal plane, the Lisa Marie, to pick up a Krystal haul. That’s not a metaphor. He literally sent a private aircraft for sliders.
Most of us can barely justify paying extra for delivery fees, and here’s the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll racking up aviation fuel costs for a burger run. That, my friends, is dedication. Or obsession. Or both. Either way, it’s iconic.
It’s also perfectly Elvis. Over-the-top but oddly grounded. Extravagant, yet endearing. The kind of move that makes you laugh and shake your head—but also kind of respect it. I mean, who among us hasn’t wanted to hop on a plane for our favorite comfort food?
A Southern Classic for a Southern Icon
There’s something deeply fitting about the King choosing Krystal as his go-to burger joint. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Krystal is a Southern institution through and through—just like Elvis.
It wasn’t some highbrow gourmet spot with truffle aioli or artisan brioche buns. It was affordable. Accessible. Unapologetically indulgent. And maybe that’s what Elvis loved most about it.
Even with all the fame and fortune, he never lost his taste for the simple stuff. The real stuff. The greasy bag of burgers shared with friends. The late-night feast after a show. The unmistakable joy of unwrapping a hot, melty Krystal burger and taking that first bite.
Eat Like the King
So, the next time you’re cruising down I-75 and see that familiar red Krystal sign glowing in the distance, don’t just drive by. Stop. Order a few cheeseburgers. Sit in your car with the windows down and Elvis on the radio. Take a bite out of history—and savor it.
Because sometimes, royalty doesn’t dine on foie gras or caviar. Sometimes, royalty just wants a hot, steamy slider with a little mustard and love. And honestly? That’s kind of beautiful.
Long live rock ’n’ roll—and long live Krystal cheeseburgers.
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