Patty and Albert Mulligan plan to wake up early Thursday morning.

The couple may even camp out to be among the first in line when Krystal open its doors at 10 a.m. at the new Dawsonville location. The first 50 customers win free hamburgers for a year.

“We love Krystal. We’ve been checking about every week since we first heard it was opening,” said Patty Mulligan last week when they saw cars parked outside the eatery.

Franchise owner Travis Rogers treated the couple to a tray full of the restaurant’s signature square burgers and encouraged them to return for Thursday’s grand opening.

“At 10 a.m., a limousine will pull up to the restaurant to deliver Krystal’s secret recipe,” he said. “Then we’ll have a short ceremony and open for business.”

Rogers, who also operates Krystal restaurants in Gainesville, Oakwood, Cumming, Athens, Winder, Indian Trail and Lawrenceville, is excited to bring Krystal to Dawsonville.

“This is a growing market where everything that opens does well,” he said.

The restaurant features Krystal’s new decor, including a flat screen television and free Wi-Fi Internet access in the dining area, which seats about 38.

The 24-hour restaurant, located at the intersection of Hwy. 53 and North Center Lane, will staff about 85 employees, primarily from the Dawsonville and north Forsyth area.