While some people might not think of Krystal’s fast food restaurant as romantic, for one Rome couple it is not only a symbol of romance but a continual part of their lives.
Judy and Wayne Masters first met about 55 years ago in high school when Judy moved to Rome from Texas in the 11th grade. Though he graduated before her, the pair still connected.
“He was in the Marine Reserves and working and going to school in Atlanta, so he would come home about three weekends a month,” said Judy. “While we were dating, we would usually go to a party, or a movie sometimes or just go to the Krystal and eat. There were no sit-down-and-eat dates because he didn’t have the money and you just didn’t back then.”
Judy says dating was very different years ago.
“Neither one of us had a car. You used your parents’ car back then,” said Judy. “You went on picnics on the weekend or (you got together) after church on Sunday.”
A couple years after they met, Wayne picked up Judy for a lunch break, and they had lunch at what used to be the Krystal Drive-in on Shorter Avenue, where he proposed to her.
“I don’t really know why I picked Krystal. It was convenient, inexpensive, and it was just the appropriate time,” said Wayne, a Rome native.
“He asked if I would marry him, but back in those days, you asked your daddy,” said Judy. “He did and came home the next week, went to the jewelry store and got the engagement ring and wedding band and surprised me with it at the Krystal.”
Now the couple is coming up on 52 years this July. On a fluke, Judy decided to enter the Krystal Lover’s contest which asks people to turn in their Krystal love stories.
“Two years ago they had a contest. I turned it in and forgot about it,” she says with a smile. “They let me know we were one of 55 finalists in 10,000.”
The Masters were one of five in the South who were given a special Krystal dinner package that included a $100 Krystal Gift Card, linen tablecloth and napkins, candles, a CD of romantic music and more.
They talk about the changes that have occurred through the years. The have five children, 14 living grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
“My house is full, and our hearts are full,” Judy explains.
“I don’t really feel nostalgic — after 52 years, you take things as they come,” said Judy, who still has the receipt from that engagement meal.
