The Barrel of Crackers

Entry 7, Due 10.23.2014
Terra System
Mars Galaxy
Star Command, Get Me My Doritos

In this design entry we will be discussing the design and layout of the Cracker Barrel restaurant, which is synonymous with "heaven on Earth."

What is so brilliant about the design and layout of the Cracker Barrel restaurants? Well, first and foremost, they suck you right in as soon as you step foot out of your car? What's that, you're tired? Here, sit on our rocking chairs for free. You can buy one if you want, they're pretty cool. Nothing says country like wooden rocking chairs. Secondly, once you step in the restaurant, they have you. Boom. You walk into a paradise of old school foods and candies, home-made items, and good ol' country things. This is obviously deliberate - the designer was brilliant to place a store at the front of the restaurant. Moreover, the store is also where you check out. So while you're checking out you can see all those wonderful goodies that you should probably buy (which is exactly what happens!). Thirdly, the whole atmosphere lends credence to the claim "Good country cookin'." The food smells as amazing as it tastes, the staff is polite, and the design of the dining room is so country. The tables are made of wood, there are old-school peg games on each table, the walls are brick or wood and plastered with old timey portraits and items. 

Don't act like you don't want some.

So all in all, they really raise the bar for atmosphere and quality. Cracker Barrel has done a good job of making it a desirable place to be thanks to its layout and design - I mean seriously, having a store where you check out is incredibly savvy-  among other things. Plus people want to use it to shop and eat, and voila, you have a great restaurant on our chain. The only negative for Cracker Barrel, in my opinion, is that they don't deliver. I would be their #1 customer. Cracker Barrel, if you're reading this, please deliver.