So, I just started working at Cracker Barrel about a month ago now and I think I'm diggin' it! Ever wondered what those yellow stars on the brown aprons were? Well, there are these weird PAR (Personal Achievement Responsibility) tests that are a requirement for every employee and with each test passed, you earn a star. It sounds corny, but its not just a "star" that you earn on your apron, but also a pay raise! $$ employee discounts, PAID VACATIONS, etc. It's kind of crazy because I never in my wildest dreams thought that a restaurant would have benefits and paid vacations, but anyways..... At PAR level 2 (2 stars) you can cross train to do whatever you want in the restaurant/store. And boy is there a crazy amount of opportunity there! Because you could either do Cashier, Retail, Cook, Server, Host, Dish, and there are probably more jobs other than these but GEEZ that's kind of a lot of choices! Not to mention, inside of every one of these different jobs I named are about 10 other duties that you must perform inside of that particular job.
For instance, I have trained to be a Hostess: Ok, so a Hostess' "bottom line" as they call it, is: "No Empty Tables" So if we are on a Wait List then AS SOON as a table gets up, we are to "scout" it and call the next party to be "on deck" while the busser cleans it.
The Hostess' job is split into 4 main parts on the weekends because it gets so packed,
#1 Name Taker who is at the front of the store (outside on the porch) at a podium taking names
#2 Name Caller who is at the main Host stand and he/she calls the names on the loud speaker
#3 Seater who literally walks the people to their seats
#4 Scouter who is the person that looks for the open tables
MIND YOU that we all have headsets that connect us with one another, and to be honest it gets pretty intense on the weekends!
So stop in sometime to see me, it's the one in Hopewell/Chester! Great food, service, & a cool store!
Awh Morgan! Your job sounds like alot of fun. The whole stars on the aprons is really interesting! Every time I have gone in there I have wondered what they meant. I'll definetly have to stop by and see you sometime. Goodluck at your new job and i hope it goes well for you ! (:
ReplyDeleteThis was interesting to read, Morgan. Thanks for posting it. It's nice to get a behind-the-scenes perspective on a place that you only know as a visitor. It sounds like Cracker Barrel management understands employee training and motivation, at least at your location. Hope you continue to have a good experience there. Even if you don't go into restaurant work in the future, jobs like yours can be a great education in customer service and management. Good Luck!
ReplyDelete--Dan Ream, RBC Library Director
That's so cool to know about the stars on the aprons! My family and I love Cracker Barrel. I love being about to shop around a little bit before I eat. And not to mention the food is awesome! Maybe the next time we go you will be working (:
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your job!! Sounds interesting!
ReplyDelete