Cracker Barrel has gone "Chintzy"

[W4XKE]

Chintzy = adjective; cheap; embarrassingly stingy

We always liked to go out to the local Cracker Barrel on I-40 for an occasional meal out but last Sunday was a disappointment. My wife asked the waitress for a soda straw for her iced tea and was told, “I’ll have to go back and get you one. We’re not allowed to carry extra ones in our aprons anymore.”

Same with the little jelly packets. “We can only bring out one, but I can go back and bring you out another one if you like.”



The biscuits were always nice, big, fluffy, flavorful and homemade quality. Now they’re small with a texture and consistency reminiscent of cardboard. (Probably made from water instead of milk and butter.)



I suppose with the nation's job losses and reduced expendable incomes, the restaurants are feeling a big squeeze. I got a coupon from Ruby Tuesday’s (home of the $10 hamburger) for a BOGO (Buy One Get One) last week. A company spokesperson said they expect there will only be about 60% of the local restaurants in business within 3 years. “We plan to be among those that survive.”

[WB3JLA]

I tried Cracker Barrel twice did not like their chicken and dumplins

Aint like moms cooken

The dumplins were little thin squares

Never found the chicken

And what is with the south
you can not get ICE TEA without suger in it

[W3BNY]

Originally Posted by WB3JLA

you can not get ICE TEA without suger in it

Well hell... I dont want no SURGER in my ice tea either dammit!

[NC5P]

I've also noticed this at different restaurants. I'm not sure it's being cheap, it could be a new revision of the Food Code came out with this requirement. I've never seen the thing but understand it's the book adopted as law for producing, handling, and serving food. Kinda like the National Electrical Code many of us are familiar with but for the culinary industry.

[K1WMB]

Nope, they are just plain cheap. Less food and service for more money...

-Will

[N7RJD]

Originally Posted by W4XKE

Chintzy = adjective; cheap; embarrassingly stingy

We always liked to go out to the local Cracker Barrel on I-40 for an occasional meal out but last Sunday was a disappointment. My wife asked the waitress for a soda straw for her iced tea and was told, “I’ll have to go back and get you one. We’re not allowed to carry extra ones in our aprons anymore.”

Same with the little jelly packets. “We can only bring out one, but I can go back and bring you out another one if you like.”



The biscuits were always nice, big, fluffy, flavorful and homemade quality. Now they’re small with a texture and consistency reminiscent of cardboard. (Probably made from water instead of milk and butter.)



I suppose with the nation's job losses and reduced expendable incomes, the restaurants are feeling a big squeeze. I got a coupon from Ruby Tuesday’s (home of the $10 hamburger) for a BOGO (Buy One Get One) last week. A company spokesperson said they expect there will only be about 60% of the local restaurants in business within 3 years. “We plan to be among those that survive.”

Proof that laid off stock brokers can't cook.

[W5RB]

Originally Posted by WB3JLA

I tried Cracker Barrel twice did not like their chicken and dumplins

Aint like moms cooken

The dumplins were little thin squares

Never found the chicken

And what is with the south
you can not get ICE TEA without suger in it

Sure ya can. Some places you have to speak up , but here in the civilized world , waitresses will ask , " Sweet or unsweet , Hun ? "

Conversely , what is it about living more than a little bit north 35 degrees north latitude that makes people believe that you can actually sweeten ice-cold tea by stirring granulated sugar into it ? They could at least put simple syrup on the table.

[N7RJD]

Originally Posted by W5RB

Conversely , what is it about living more than a little bit north 35 degrees north latitude that makes people believe that you can actually sweeten ice-cold tea by stirring granulated sugar into it ?

The same thing that makes them think they can fit 2 quarts of water and a cup of sugar into a little paper envelope with the Koolaid mix.

[W4KTL]

I used to spend a lot of time in Omaha; only place I could find sweet tea was Crackerbarrel.

[KJ4PLT]

no sugar in iced tea? you northerners are some strange people. tea is meant to be extra sweet and ice cold.