It wasn't just Cracker Barrel

The whole Cracker Barrel debacle was really about all the changes and maneuvering that's gone on since 2016.

Some things are just sacred. Here in the South, Cracker Barrel is a big deal.

It started here. It grew here.

It expanded from here.

That's Lebanon, Tennessee. Dan Evins and Tommy Lowe founded the first restaurant in 1969. As of 2023, there were 660 stores in 45 states. Lebanon is still the headquarters. It's fashioned after the old country stores our ancestors congregated in.

Someone decided, "Hey, let's bring one of these young hotshots in here to bring in the young crowd." I have to say, no matter what you do, you're probably never going to draw the young crowd.

News flash...the young crowd doesn't have the money for Cracker Barrel. They spent it at Starbucks.

There are too many changes blowing through. I'm fielding them as fast as I can. About the time I learn a new computer program, it updates, upgrades and changes the rules. The same goes for my cell phone. Any time I believe I may have to get a new one, I cringe. I still can't work all the bells on the one I have.

My car. My car does crazy technical stuff just to drive me crazy. There are so many buttons and menus that I usually just give up before I find what I need. I don't have a lot of requirements. A car needs to start, go into the appropriate gear, have air conditioning and a radio. Plus, I like to go fast and need good brakes. Those are mandatory.

Comfort is a big deal. Knowing what to expect when you go inside a restaurant is huge, especially when traveling. That old menu they've had for years is a constant that soothes me. There are times when I just need a bowl of pinto beans with a cornbread muffin. I'm certain when I pull into their parking lot that I'll find those there.

I'm still mad that they haven't brought Chicken Livers back. Let's hope that will happen soon.

Every where I turn, the places I love are changing, evolving or trying to keep up with the changing world. Please, Cracker Barrel, Just be consistent, serve me good comfort food and leave the upscaling to someone else.