Raw Data Report: Red Robin, Einstein Bagel, Cracker Barrel

Each day, Wall Street is flooded with stock research offering a multitude of conflicting investment opinions. As such, TickerMine is not in the business of providing more opinions. We believe that accurate raw data points can be used to gain insight in to the stock selection and valuation process.

31% of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (RRGB) Say Business Is Stronger Than Last Year

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers are busiest at dinner, according to 72% of the locations surveyed in TickerMine's latest poll. The biggest draw for customers is the chain's menu (48%), followed by its atmosphere (41%). The Whiskey River BBQ burger, the bacon cheeseburger, and the Banzai burger are the most popular menu items. Fifty-five percent of stores polled said they're as busy as they were last year, and 31% said they're busier now.

Einstein Bagel Store (BAGL) Workers say that Noah's Bagels are Rubbish

Tickermine researched sales at 27 locations of Einstein Bagels, owned by parent company Einstein Noah Restaurant Group last week. This was after the company announced plans to expand its franchises. We asked which breakfast menu item sells best, how does the bagel quality at Einstein, compare with Noah's, and how is business this month?

We found that the most popular breakfast menu item was the Egg Panini, according to 37% of those polled. 11% say it is the Turkey Sausage and Cheddar Egg sandwich and 33% reported the Bagel with Cream Cheese. 93% of those polled say Einstein bagels are better than Noah's. Reasons cited include their freshness, cheaper price and popularity with customers. Others say it is the variety of toppings that makes theirs excel. And while 37% say sales are down from a month earlier. 63% say sales are up.

A Quarter of Cracker Barrel (CBRL) Locations Say Business Has Tanked

Tickermine researched 28 locations of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and Restaurant, the American iconic chain. We asked which menu items sell best, which shift is most brisk, what does the respondent think most attracts their clients, does nearby competition exist, and how does business compare to a year earlier?

We found that the Country Fried Steak Dinner was the best-seller according to 25% of those polled. Other mentions included the Grilled Chicken Tenderloin (11%), the Harvest Breakfast Sampler (7%) and the Roast Beef Dinner (7%). Dinner was busiest according to 64% of those interviewed. 32% say it is lunch and only 4% say it is breakfast. Only one person reported that their location was less than a year old. 68% claim that customers come in for the atmosphere. 29% say it is the menu and 4% say it is the price. Once there, the average price for a party of two is $30-64, our survey says. 71% of respondents report having no nearby competitors. 29% report competitors including Outback Steakhouse, Applebee's and TGI Friday's. Most were in nearby malls. And 43% say business is the same as a year ago. 29% say it is busier but then 25% say business has dropped.