This week on Nation's Restaurant News the top story was Cracker Barrel is struggling with traffic as inflationary pressures continue. According to the company’s latest earnings release for the fourth quarter ended July 29, Cracker Barrel raised prices about 7% as wage as commodity inflation and gas prices continue to eat away at the casual dining company’s bottom line. As a result of taking price, same-store sales increased 6.1% driven by ticket growth. Despite the pricing increase (and continued plans to take pricing next fiscal year as necessary), Cracker Barrel wants to continue offering affordable options for their guests and balance the company’s fiscal needs with making sure guests feel comfortable.
In other news, KFC is bringing back fan-favorite wraps in new formats. The former KFC Chicken Twister was on menus until 2014 and is currently only available in some international markets. The new KFC chicken wraps — which come in three varieties, classic, mac and cheese, and spicy slaw — will be tested out at select locations in Atlanta-area stores starting Oct. 3.
Also, One of Olive Garden’s biggest traffic-building deals is back with the return of the Never Ending Pasta Bowl after a hiatus of two years during the pandemic, the company confirmed. The casual-dining division of Orlando, Fla.-based Darden Restaurants Inc. said this year’s pasta promotion will run Oct. 3-Nov. 20.
See what else was trending on NRN.com this week.