Analysis of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. :: Restaurants Business Management Essays

Analysis of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. For the last thirty years, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. has been offering people on the highways of America an alternative to the fast food pit stop. Their restaurants serves home-style food, has quality gift shops and, most of all, a friendly and accommodating environment all go in to create a welcoming atmosphere. Making the guest comfortable is what makes them different. The waiters and waitresses let you take your time. You are seated and promptly drink orders are taken. They give the customer sufficient time to gaze over the menu. There are peg games on the table to occupy you or your young ones. If it is a game of checkers you wish, there is always a table in the corner ready to play. The main consumer characteristic that Cracker Barrel Old Country Store sets their standards on is â€Å"Pleasing people†. (Etzel, Walker, Stanton. 2001 pg. 204) A review of the Cracker Barrel Old Country store states, â€Å"This restaurant has a combo of good food, good service, and atmosphere. The gift shop is trendy, and affords one a place to browse. Do your browsing after the meal, for service is fast and efficient. One dines among country antiques that serve as decor. The country plates are a delight, and one must try the daily specials. Don't order dessert if you're not hungry. The blackberry cobbler and lemon icebox pie are superb. This is home cooking with affordable prices and great atmosphere.† (http://stlouis.citysearch.com/profile/3855636) Cracker Barrel stores appeal to both the traveler and the local customer and have consistently been a consumer favorite. Cracker Barrel was ranked as the top family dining chain for the eleventh consecutive year in the 200 0 Restaurants & Institutions magazine "Choice in Chains" annual customer survey. It was also named â€Å"Best Family Dining† restaurant by Restaurant & Institutions magazine for the tenth consecutive year. The R&I award is based on a national consumer survey that evaluates chains on seven separate attributes: food quality, menu variety, value, service, atmosphere, cleanliness, and convenience. For 2000, Cracker Barrel scored highest among family dining establishments on every one of the attributes. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has accomplished the pleasing of people by capturing a bit of the past...back when time seemed to move a bit more slowly, and folks had more time. They have captured a time gone by through their atmosphere, country store, and most of all, through their country cookin'.