CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Baby boomers have decided to stop going to two popular restaurant chains, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The unlimited breadsticks at Olive Garden and wooden rocking chairs at Cracker Barrel can't bring back baby boomers.
Leaders of two of the nation’s biggest restaurants say COVID is to blame. A new report says at first, older customers stayed away due to health concerns. Customers 65 and older were a little bit more spooked by COVID causing them to eat and stay at home more.
Then inflation hit the pockets of some of our most aged neighbors. But both chains aren't done trying to get more customers through the door. Olive Garden is trying out its e-club membership, offering perks, like coupons, to older customers.
But Cracker Barrel is trying a different strategy, appealing to the younger generations. Last year, the company revamped its menu to offer more customizable options that appeal to millennials.
WCNC Charlotte’s Wake Up Charlotte has the latest news and weather from the WCNC Charlotte morning team. Watch all the latest stories from the Wake Up Charlotte morning team in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.
FREE PODCASTS
Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || Google Podcasts || iHeart
Locked On is the leading podcast network for local sports and is owned by WCNC Charlotte's parent company TEGNA.
Listen to Locked On here.
Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.
