Singer John Rich of the country duo Big & Rich didn't hesitate when talking about what he would do if he was CEO of the embattled restaurant chain Cracker Barrel. You may recall that the eatery's recent redo of its classic logo, which removed the barrel and the beloved, time-honored gent, was a debacle in many patrons' eyes. So per Taste Of Country via b105country.com, Rich announced what he believes is the chain's formula for success, at least in his eyes.
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Patriotism Would Take Center Stage
Rich was a guest on The Benny Show podcast and he let fly about his ideas for Cracker Barrel's future. He feels that some simple tweaks could restore its popularity fast. Rich said, "Fire everybody that bastardized that brand, No. 1." Rich was referring to the elimination of the man and barrel from the logo, and the "modernization" of the chain.
"No. 2, we would start doing the Pledge of Allegiance every morning when we opened at breakfast, and we'd do the National Anthem at lunch."
He would also introduce a menu item at a certain symbolic price. Rich suggested "'all-you-can-eat chicken fried steak, eggs and mashed potatoes for $17.76.' That price, of course, is a nod to America's birthday, July 4, 1776."
Rich's ideas, in his opinion, would spark a renaissance in the restaurant's popularity. He asserts that "people would come back in droves."
Changing What Cracker Barrel's Patrons Loved Did Not Please Them
The logo makeover was apparently well-intentioned. Nevertheless, it seems that people preferred the one they were used to for years. Same thing with the decor. It may have seemed dated to some, but again, customers expected the homespun color scheme and furnishings that brought times of yore to mind. They were perhaps looking for a stroll down memory lane rather than a more refreshed, contemporary look.
The backlash was quick and vehement. Per the New York Post, "Customers slammed the Southern dining chain's rebrand, arguing it was axing its ties to traditional American culture." Per the outlet, "A Cracker Barrel restaurant in Kennesaw, Georgia...was 'dead for a week,' an employee told Bloomberg."
