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Cracker Barrel: Putting people firstCracker Barrel: Putting people first

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

November 15, 2017

1 Min Read
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“Pleasing People” has long been the mission for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc.

The Lebanon, Tenn.-based family-dining chain says the philosophy is more than a statement, it’s a trademark.

Related: 10 most craveable restaurant brands: Consumer Picks 2017

“Our success ultimately depends on our store employees providing excellent food, friendly service and quality merchandise in a warm and inviting atmosphere — all on a daily basis,” Cracker Barrel’s website states. “Pleasing People is all about mutual respect.”

From the rocking chairs on the front porch to the old country store retail and on into the homespun dining rooms, Cracker Barrel aims to be a pleasant escape to gentler times.

Related: Texas Roadhouse: Competing on value

But executives keep a sharp eye on what customers want.

“As consumer needs evolve and they redefine their personal view of value in this highly promotional environment, we must be responsive and more aggressive in our approach to value,” said Sandra Cochran, president and CEO, in a September earnings call. About 100 restaurants are testing new everyday-value platforms that include a loaded macaroni ‘n’ cheese dinner priced at $7.99.

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Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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