Cracker Barrel

quote:

Originally posted by fattybomatty

that may be, but lee and I are not arguing with you.

you, apparently don't know the meaning of argue.
Here it is:
Argue:
ntransitive verb
1 : to give reasons for or against something : reason <argue for a new policy>
2 : to contend or disagree in words : dispute <argue about money>
transitive verb
1 : to give evidence of : indicate <the facts argue his innocence>
2 : to consider the pros and cons of : discuss <argue an issue>
3 : to prove or try to prove by giving reasons : maintain <asking for a chance to argue his case>
4 : to persuade by giving reasons : induce <couldn't argue her out of going>

synonyms see discuss

So, actually, since we were using words to discuss opposing viewpoints, we are, in fact, arguing. That's the definition.
We're not yelling at each other. I certainly don't think that's necessary. But we are arguing - in the dictionary sense.

and what exactly are the opposing viewpoints that we are arguing in the dictionary sense?

Actually, Fatty, I initially said I refuse to argue which is synonymous with discuss, (about how to measure the quality of a restaurant) with anyone who is happy to go to Famous Dave's and Waffle House. My position being that business success does not equate with quality of product, which was in contrast to Leethebard's suggestion that the quality of Cracker Barrel's food must be good based on Cracker Barrel's business success, and you seemingly agreed with Lee. Maybe you don't agree. I don't know. But I know that I'm not likely to see eye to eye with someone who likes the food at Famous Dave's and Waffle House.

In any event, you've done a nice job changing the focus. My comments were that business success does not equate with quality of product, and I stand behind my comments regarding Cracker Barrel, quality v. business model, and other chains. Since this thread is supposed to be about Cracker Barrel (and it's merits or lack there of), and nobody gives a crap about banter between posters, I refuse to engage in further conversation regarding anything except Cracker Barrel,related restaurants, and quality (or lack thereof) in this thread.

Ok Scorereader, but I think you misinterpreted Lee's statement and that's what I said before. He wasn't saying Cracker Barrel's food was good simply because of the volume. He was saying that although many of us on this board, myself included, are not fans of cracker barrel they still are successful. And really that's all that matters to them.

I was actually saying how I hate walking through the cracker barrel store. It turns me off completely to the place before I even taste the food.

quote:

Originally posted by fattybomatty

Ok Scorereader, but I think you misinterpreted Lee's statement and that's what I said before. He wasn't saying Cracker Barrel's food was good simply because of the volume. He was saying that although many of us on this board, myself included, are not fans of cracker barrel they still are successful. And really that's all that matters to them.

I was actually saying how I hate walking through the cracker barrel store. It turns me off completely to the place before I even taste the food.

Not to constantly have the opposite viewpoint, I actually like the store because I have a Coca-Cola themed kitchen, and Cracker Barrel often has coca-cola collectibles like tins, dish towels, napkins for my napkin dispenser, and such. Believe it or not, I have occasionally stopped at Cracker Barrel for the store and not eaten in the restaurant - as odd as that sounds. But, I know they'll have stuff, where in stores around here, it's actually hard to find coca-cola kitchen products. No one seems to carry them consisently. Cracker Barrel hasn't always had what I was specifically looking for, but they normally have coke stuff to browse.

Oh score, I actually don't have a problem with cracker barrel having the store. I just wish when I go there to eat that I didn't have to walk through it to get to the hostess. I would rather it be off the side inside the restaurant and/or have it's own separate entrance

Can I say my family enjoys looking around the store part...without upsetting someone!!!!

I love the store. I haven't been to a Cracker Barrel in several years.

My friends love them.

I don't know if they still do this, but back in the 80's when driving up the east coast we could stop in a CB pick up a Books on Tape, drive, drive, drive and return it at the next CB.

I was young, didn't know the difference and really liked their cinnamon apples back then.

quote:

Originally posted by fattybomatty

Oh score, I actually don't have a problem with cracker barrel having the store. I just wish when I go there to eat that I didn't have to walk through it to get to the hostess. I would rather it be off the side inside the restaurant and/or have it's own separate entrance

yeah, I know what you mean. There's a cute mom and pop country store/cafe near Front Royal, VA that has the door in the middle. Enter the store, head to the left for the cafe, head to the right to the store. http://www.theapplehouse.net/

here's the Wash Post's write up. We went there earlier this month when we camped just south of Front Royal. Cute place.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/11/AR2006071100215.html

Scorereader, we love stopping here and have done it often! Good food and a REAL country feel to it.

quote:

Originally posted by Greymo

Scorereader, we love stopping here and have done it often! Good food and a REAL country feel to it.

That's my point,Greymo...It was not my intent to start a whole debate!!! Because my family enjoys a visit to Famous Dave's or Waffle House,doesn't make me unworthy of discussing the topic with anyone....we can disagree and still discuss anything...that's the foundation of debate...what a boring world if everyone had the same opinions,either Coke or Pepsi would have to go....Chevy or Ford...etc..etc(oh yeah,mustard or ketchup on hot fogs....

And Fattbomatty...is stating my argument exactly....whether the place has good food or not(and opinions can and will vary...dispite what people may think,there isn't only one answer to that question)....the crowds indicate success and doing something right...so many locations,packing them in, for years....they must be doing something right!!!!!!!

They certainly are................they cater to sheep who follow the flock! God bless the people who enjoy it!

quote:

Originally posted by leethebard

quote:

Originally posted by Greymo

Scorereader, we love stopping here and have done it often! Good food and a REAL country feel to it.

That's my point,Greymo...It was not my intent to start a whole debate!!! Because my family enjoys a visit to Famous Dave's or Waffle House,doesn't make me unworthy of discussing the topic with anyone....we can disagree and still discuss anything...that's the foundation of debate...what a boring world if everyone had the same opinions,either Coke or Pepsi would have to go....Chevy or Ford...etc..etc(oh yeah,mustard or ketchup on hot fogs....

And Fattbomatty...is stating my argument exactly....whether the place has good food or not(and opinions can and will vary...dispite what people may think,there isn't only one answer to that question)....the crowds indicate success and doing something right...so many locations,packing them in, for years....they must be doing something right!!!!!!!

I'm fairly certain Greymo was referring the The Apple house, and not Cracker Barrel.

And, I understand you point exactly. but I don't agree that, "the crowds indicate success and doing something right." In that case, then McDonalds is doing it better. But, we know that's not the case, so therefore, the fact that it's crowded cannot be used to give merit to the quality of the food.

quote:

Originally posted by Scorereader

quote:

Originally posted by leethebard

quote:

Originally posted by Greymo

Scorereader, we love stopping here and have done it often! Good food and a REAL country feel to it.

That's my point,Greymo...It was not my intent to start a whole debate!!! Because my family enjoys a visit to Famous Dave's or Waffle House,doesn't make me unworthy of discussing the topic with anyone....we can disagree and still discuss anything...that's the foundation of debate...what a boring world if everyone had the same opinions,either Coke or Pepsi would have to go....Chevy or Ford...etc..etc(oh yeah,mustard or ketchup on hot fogs....

And Fattbomatty...is stating my argument exactly....whether the place has good food or not(and opinions can and will vary...dispite what people may think,there isn't only one answer to that question)....the crowds indicate success and doing something right...so many locations,packing them in, for years....they must be doing something right!!!!!!!

I'm fairly certain Greymo was referring the The Apple house, and not Cracker Barrel.

And, I understand you point exactly. but I don't agree that, "the crowds indicate success and doing something right." In that case, then McDonalds is doing it better. But, we know that's not the case, so therefore, the fact that it's crowded cannot be used to give merit to the quality of the food.

I don't disagree...all I meant was they're doing SOMETHING right to attract such crowds everywhere...that doesn't mean necessarily the food...it might be the nostalgic feel,the country store look...who knows..the Mickey D success certainly isn'y the quality of the food,I think..perhaps familiarity when travelling...kiddy prizes, clowns, who knows...haven't been there in ages!!!

ok, well in that case, I've already admitted going there for the store. But I don't do the restaurant side.

It is not just restaurants that have a divergence between market sucess and I guess what could be called critical or artistic success.

Think about movies, songs or books. More often than not the the works that reach the top of the charts are seldom regarded as classics. If music were judged on sales alone, the BackStreet Boys would be considered better than Bruce Springsteen.

Now that's a good point....sometimes "artistic" quality movies do no business,although the critics loved them....Romance novels often sell more copies than some great novels. I'm sure we can all think of lots of other examples of this "quantity over quality" phenomenon!!!

I, like Mr,Sundancer,dont frequent CB, but will meet friends or family that wish to go there.I find the food mediocre, except the biscuits-pretty darned good!!And I happen to like the little store-although I agree it should be on the side-rather than having to walk thru it to get to the hostess.I can always find my cherry drops there-something hard to find these days.

I wouldn't mind CB if the food was better...it's so bland; doesn't taste at all "home-cooked" to me. On the other hand, it's a safe place to take the kids, since they can always get pancakes, etc, and my kids PREFER bland food (yuck!)

The store is annoying because my kids beg me for all the candies and other crap.

If I'm gonna go this route, I prefer Bob Evans to Cracker Barrel -- I think the food is a notch better. And they have the same type of kitschy store.

And a pretty good Breakfast!!!