Lloyd's passed away with its owner. It was a shell of itself before closing. The Sylacauga location followed quickly. Some places, like the Bright Star, are surviving the loss of long-term owners/operators. Others just fold up. I guess that's the same for any small business.
On Zaxby's - I've probably shared this - Zack worked for Guthrie's and stole their sauce recipe. I remember reading an interview with him when he had several dozen stores in Georgia, and they marveled at his insistence of visiting every store to mix the sauce, characterizing it as an emphasis on quality or attention to detail. In reality, he was a thief who didn't want to lose what he'd taken.
I avoid them.
Speaking of a chain that needs to go the way of the wild goose, Cracker Barrel. I went to the one in Pell City this week. Miniscule portions, long wait, poor quality. They used to be that reliable interstate destination where you knew you'd get consistent food and service. No more. That Pell City exit has a Freddy's, Jersey Mike's, Waffle House, Chick-fil-A, a new Whataburger (another private equity expansion play that will probably over saturate things), a Buffalo Wild Wings, Wendy's, Zaxby's, Arby's. An Outback is getting ready to open, and they've announced an Olive Garden and Longhorn will go in behind Chick-fil-A. There's also an independent place, The St. Clair, which is pretty good, right at the interstate, and a buffet that caters to senior diners. I think the additional restaurants will be the killing blow for Cracker Barrel, and maybe the Arby's.
