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In the spirit of the great American road trip, and ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary, Cracker Barrel wants to feed — and fuel — travelers who are hitting the road.
The homestyle cooking chain’s new “Fuel Your Summer Road Trip” promotion — running through July 26 — wants to give 250 Cracker Barrel Rewards members $1,000 total, split between a spend of a $500 Cracker Barrel gift card and a well-timed $500 gas gift card to use toward road trips, weekend getaways or everyday summer travel.
Entry into the sweepstakes is simple: order qualifying entrees and be a rewards member. There is even a chance to boost odds for hungry travelers who purchase retail items in-store or participate in bonus entry opportunities; winners are selected each week at random.
“Road trips are synonymous with summer, and our goal is to help our guests take the trip, see the country, and make new memories,” said Sarah Moore, chief marketing officer at Cracker Barrel in a press release.
And while this may take the edge off for winners, Cracker Barrel is also conveniently luring roadtrippers to spend in its restaurants, which have seen profits decline, according to its financial reports. The fast-food chain recently reported second-quarter earnings of $874.8 million, down by nearly 8% compared to the year before.
Despite inflation and surging gas prices, America is expected to double down on road travel, with 64% of citizens planning to drive this summer, according to recent data.
Road trips also offer travelers the spontaneity and flexibility that other modalities cannot, with 75% of travelers saying they favor it for empowering them to have more autonomy over their travel choices, which may include fried chicken or a crispy hot biscuit from a Cracker Barrel rest stop.
“So many of our guests have wonderful memories of their summer road trips with family and friends,” Moore added. “Fuel Your Summer Road Trip is our way of helping guests make those plans feel a little easier – both at the table and at the pump.”
Cracker Barrel lovers were enthused by the initiative and even hoped the restaurant would expand its offerings.
“Would like to see Cracker Barrel expand into a full-service center for travelers to include a Motor Lodge and fueling stations,” said one hopeful on Facebook.
The restaurant has come under fire over the last few years, most notably for a logo change that sent die-hard chicken lovers into a tailspin for removing some hero menu items, and later caving to customer pressure.
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