One North Carolina Restaurant is Thriving Despite Economic Uncertainty

As grim news of the economy flashes in the headlines with banks closing, housing foreclosures, and fewer jobs more and more people are scaling back on non essential spending. Yet it couldn't be more truer now when you go to the gas pump and fill up the average cost of gasoline is $3.68 just a year ago it was $2.75.What was considered by most Americans eating out at a fancy restaurant is no longer the case. It's all about value. Getting a deal for the dollar. It's no wonder companies like Burger King and Mc Donald's have introduced the dollar menu which accounts for 15% of its U.S sales. The push is on for better deals, variety and good quality service.

One such restaurant located in eastern North Carolina has garnered a stream of repeat customers. Amazingly it doesn't have some big sign outside advertising the dollar menu like its competitors. Yet there are only a few items on the menu for a dollar.

Jim Register says, "I like coming to this restaurant I've been coming here for three years no I'm not going anywhere else. The staff and management are nice and friendly almost like family. This is my home away from home. All my friends are here."

Charles Hockaday, general manager of Hardee's Roanoke Rapids says, "We don't have a big dollar menu like our competition but what we do have is coupons. They generally come out sometimes bi monthly either in the mail or in the newspaper sometimes both. The coupons are loaded with front and back with incredible deals."

As the trend toward pushes toward more affordability low cost services so too must each industry adjust to this new and uncertain economic climate. As the restaurant industry has shifted its gears to ride the waves of this new economy so too has its sales.

According to the restaurant industry forecast sales are expected to reach $558 billion in 2008 a 4.4 percent increase over 2007 and the industry will employ 13.1 million individuals in 945, 000 food services and outlets.

Charles Hockaday says, "Business is good. Sales are good. I just received a 7% sales increase. It just proves the fact even during a recession if you treat your customers right. They'll keep coming back."