Let me star out saying that I like CB and their food, and as service goes there usually isn’t anything to complain about. But my most recent experience, will give me pause to returning anytime soon. I work early mornings and don’t always have time to treat myself to a nice breakfast. So a few weeks ago I tried to order online/pickup from CB in Richmond on National Road. When I arrived they did not have a record of my order and I would have to wait. No time for this so I left. A week later I tried the same, but called the store directly. But the lady was incredibly rude on the phone so I hung up and picked up McDrivethru. Today (about 2weeks from last attempt ) I went in to dine in, was seated with one other couple in this section, who was finishing giving their order. The waitress took their order to the kitchen, and proceeded to hang out and chit chat with kitchen staff or whoever for several long minutes. When she returned to bring said couples order, she noticed me for the first time. To her credit she apologized and ask for my drink order. I related my complete order to her, as I had had ample time to decide what I wanted. She apologized again, and left me to wait for my order, and wait, and wait. To the point where I was getting ready to just leave and try my luck at drive thru again. She finally delivered my order, of improperly cook bacon, undercooked cheesy hash browns, and very good biscuits and gravy, along with another apology. She was very expedient with delivery of my bill, and referring to my almost empty coffee cup. Just slide your cup to the table edge for a refill hon, and I’m sorry about the mistake earlier “ I slid the cup to the edge, and she turned to walk away. Presumably to get said refill. Several minutes passed, and I finished what I could of my meal, and stood, gathered my coat and prepared to leave. Now my waitress spies me, and rushes to bring me a refill, and another apology. While the cashier did offer to call a manger as I was checking out, I was limited on time and did not feel another apology was about to make any difference. So I learned a 14.00 lesson today, and CB will be long in my rearview mirror. Very good biscuits this morning though, soft, buttery, warm, not worth the...
Read moreMy wife and I couldn't help but notice that Cracker Barrel was understaffed. It tends to be an ongoing problem in our county. Despite this fact, we were celebrating our fifth anniversary and enjoyed the extra time we had together. So, naturally, the atmosphere received five stars. The food was consistent with what I recall from having worked in this very restaurant years before. I know that goal is an important concern for the franchise from the corporate level down through management to the cooks reading the recipes. A funny story: To my knowledge, there isn't a vegetable that I don't like. Bell peppers are a favorite. My wife, on the other hand, can't stand them. She even asked that I not even bring fresh peppers into the house when we first got married. Anyhow, she and I both ordered chicken dumplings and meatloaf. When she began to dig in; she commented that the meatloaf wasn't as good as hers. "There's something about it..." she noted. When she was almost a third of the way finished with it, she realized that it included diced green peppers in it. I then took a bite off mine and agreed. I simply told her to make a note of that fact for future visits; and she moved on to her dumplings, which we both knew we loved. Again, the five-star food was consistent. The service we received would have pleased the beloved Uncle Hershel. We were truly treated as guests; and our server had our service, as well as the service of those around us, as her top priority. Shout out to Tralaina! We were thrilled to make her acquaintance. These factors deserve a service rating of five stars. Lastly, I feel compelled to acknowledge: We, with the aid of three complementary 'clam shells', purchased four meals with appetizers for a little over ten dollars per meal. How management can provide such an affordable experience is beyond my current comprehension. Price wasn't even a factor considered in the official rating; but I will be appreciating it tomorrow at...
Read moreThe food was good, like always. There were times we came, and we would be told it would be 15 or 30 minutes to get a table, so we would leave. This time, we had 9 people, and we were afraid we would be told that, but it didn't take very long to be seated. UPDATE:. May 11, 2022-It is still the same, but they do need people to help, like most places. They did change the menu. Not as many salads and sandwiches. I decided to order something different and ordered the Broccoli Cheddar Chicken lunch special, along with Mashed Potatoes, Biscuit, and Coke Zero. It was delicious. UPDATE:. August 18, 2022-It is still the same, serving the same great food. It was a little slow, but not as bad as the last time. I was going to order the Turkey and Dressing meal, but I was afraid it would be too much to eat, so I ordered the Bacon and Egg Hash brown Casserole again. Just as good as previously. UPDATE:. January 19, 2023-This time, I did order the Turkey and Dressing meal, along with Mashed Potatoes, Biscuit, and Coke Zero. It was delicious, and I was able to eat it all. The bad thing is having to wait 5-10 minutes for a table while they wipe the tables. They need more help! UPDATE: June 1, 2023-I ordered the Homestyle Grilled Chicken Salad, which I haven't had in a while, and I had ordered it quite frequently. Still delicious! UPDATE: September 17, 2023-I went back on the 14th, and it had been a while since I ordered a sandwich from here. I ordered the Barrel Cheeseburger, Steak Fries, and Coke Zero. It was big, and I am surprised I ate it all. They don't have much selection of sandwiches on the adult menu, compared to the kids' menu. It was still good. UPDATE: December 19, 2023-I came back again, and this time, I ordered the Country Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, and Fried Apples, and Coke Zero. I like Country Fried Steak, and this was delicious. I wanted to try the Country Fried Turkey, but it was too big of a meal. ...
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