Not everyone who visited the Cracker Barrel restaurant was familiar with grits and cheese, which was commonly sold for breakfast at all restaurants. Although the changes were minor, Cracker Barrel identified this need for change and added a few items, which the locals would be familiar with, to their menu. Cracker Barrel's initial desire to remain consistent with all stores slowed the growth rate dramatically until these changes were implemented.
Another reason location constrained Cracker Barrel was there choice of advertising. Cracker Barrel's primary source of advertising is billboard ads. Because of this decision, Cracker Barrel is restricted to only states who allow billboard ads along interstates and highways.
2. a and b) The demographic characteristics of Lebanon, Tennessee compared to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida has startling differences. Here is a break down of the two very different cities.
Lebanon, Tennessee:.
• Lebanon, Tennessee is just 30 miles from the Nashville, Tennessee.
• Over 1.5 million people live within a one hour drive of Lebanon. .
• Approximately 36% of all travel spending in the State of Tennessee was spent within a 50 mile radius of Lebanon. .
• 1998 Median Household Income $43,932 , second highest of the 95 counties in the state of Tennessee.
• With 2,000,000 visitors annually, it is the busiest welcome center in Tennessee is 25 miles east of Lebanon on I-40.
• Cedars of Lebanon State Park, located five miles south of Lebanon, has more than 650,000 visitors annually.
• The U.S. Travel Data Center's report "Economic Impact of Travel on Tennessee's Counties Report for the State of Tennessee" shows a steady increase in tourism and travel expenditures in Wilson County.
Source: http://www.relocatewilson.com/facts.html.
These demographics fit the original Cracker Barrel restaurant strategy perfectly.
