I visited Cracker Barrel. The CEO is right when she says it’s ‘not as relevant’ as it once was
- Cracker Barrel‘s CEO said this year that the chain is “not as relevant” as it used to be.
- The restaurant chain is well-known for its vintage decorations and stores full of kitsch.
- I went to a Cracker Barrel earlier this year outside Washington, DC, to see what’s going on.
Cracker Barrel restaurants are at a crossroads — literally and figuratively.
You’ll often find the chain right off freeway exits. For decades, that’s made them appealing to people making long drives searching for a hot, sit-down meal and a break from the road.
But that strategy hasn’t worked well over the last few years.
“We’re just not as relevant as we once were,” CEO Julie Masino told investors on a call in May.
Masino added that the chain is “refreshing and refining” several aspects of its operations, from marketing to the atmosphere in its restaurants.
So far, that’s included offering dinner specials in the late afternoon to appeal to diners who want to eat earlier.
Cracker Barrel is also testing four potential new layouts for its restaurants, Masino said on Thursday during the chain’s latest earnings call.
The four options vary by cost and involvement, from a “refresh” option focused on fresh paint and decor to the highest-cost model that involves replacing restaurant floors and bringing in new furniture, CFO Craig Pommells added.
The restaurant is planning to expand its new format test to 12 of its locations in Indianapolis, where it will combine aspects of the proposed remodels with new menu items and service standards.
“It’s going to take a few months to get a read, but we are excited about this test and look forward to sharing updates in the future,” Masino said on Thursday’s call.
Earlier this year, Masino said that the company was using bookcases instead of the chain’s traditional memento-covered dividers and adding booth seating.
But for now, most of its stores still have the old-timey decor and wooden seats that many people associate with the brand.
Masino also said Thursday that Cracker Barrel added new items to its menu, including a Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd’s Pie and a Fried Apple French Toast Bake. Cracker Barrel previously told Business Insider that it was testing new items.
To better understand what eating at Cracker Barrel is like these days, I visited one of the brand’s restaurants in northern Virginia, just outside Washington, DC, in June. Here’s what I found.
This article was originally published by Alex Bitter at All Content from Business Insider (https://www.businessinsider.com/cracker-barrel-restaurant-store-not-as-relevant-any-more-2024-6).
General Content Disclaimer
The content on this website, including articles generated by artificial intelligence or syndicated from third-party sources, is provided for informational purposes only. We do not own the rights to all images and have not independently verified the accuracy of all information presented. Opinions expressed are those of the original authors and do not necessarily reflect our views. Reader discretion is advised, as some content may contain sensitive, controversial, or unverified information. We are not responsible for user-generated content, technical issues, or the accuracy of external links. Some content may be sponsored or contain affiliate links, which will be identified accordingly. By using this website, you agree to our privacy policy. For concerns, including copyright infringement (DMCA) notices, contact us at info@texasnews.app.
Add Comment