Tara Andrews
Who wants bbq??
Big Jake's Bar-B-Que (& Catering Co.) is one of many barbecue joints in Texarkana. While I do not know how many locations they have, or if they are nationwide. However, they do have several locations in the Texarkana area. I believe this is because they want to reach a wide variety of audiences, in terms of being located in different neighborhoods. The front of the building also displays the colors red and blue, which are not only the American flag colors, but also the colors on the Texas state flag. This makes me think that they are supportive of America and the state of Texas, and this would appeal to a wide variety of people living in Texarkana. They also have a pig in overalls. This would speak to the regular Joe's of the audience, and also informs people of what the restaurant serves, possibly a specialty. My favorite menu item is the pulled pork, so I think their strategy is working.
So, I don't know about y'all, but fried pies are THE dessert of the South. This is one advertising feature that Big Jake's uses to its full advantage. They have the sign featuring the words, 'the Original FRIED PIE SHOP' directly below the main sign. This position signifies that this feature is a big deal, especially because the sign is so large, and uses capital letters. This sign is directed not specifically at barbecue lovers, but broadens the audience for the restaurant by targeting individuals who like pie. The sign is also next to the OPEN sign, so these pie fanatics know when they are available. If you have ever been inside a Big Jake's, you know that these pies are made fresh daily, so if the open sign is on, there is pie.
Also next to the open sign, is the front entrance to the restaurant. There are two signs I will point out here. The first is the hours sign. It is the square that looks like a Texas flag. Not only is this sign very beneficial to potential customers, but it also adds to the restaurants support of the state of Texas. I think that this sign could be a bit larger, and maybe not specifically on the door. However, I believe that this is to increase the visual appeal of keeping the exterior of the building neat and orderly.
The second sign is the green square with the black bow tie on it. If you don't know, you should, because this is the logo for the Waitr app. This adds an even wider audience that they may not have reached otherwise. There are so many people that for some reason or other may not be able to get to a physical restaurant, and this app circumvents that issue. The Waitr app lets you order food and have it delivered directly to you, anywhere.
The next sign located around the back of the building is the drive thru menu. This sign shows the different menu items offered, which include family selections, catering options, a kid's menu, and the most popular items along the sides. This variety of options indicates their audience is very broad. They can provide meals for families, individuals on lunch break, people of all ages really, and even food for special events. The one thing I always have trouble with is remembering what kind of drinks they offer, but this location has found a way to help with that! They have the Pepsi advertisement at the top of the menu, to show people that they offer Pepsi Co products. By the way, the pulled pork nachos is the best thing on this menu.
Last, but certainly not least, is the delivery van. It is parked behind the restaurant next to a PT Cruiser version. This van is obviously for catering to the events that order their delicious barbecue. They have logos on all sides of the van, to add to the advertising of their business, and they indicate the different catering options along the red stripe. Prime Rib, Chicken, Ribs, BBQ, Steaks, and Hamburgers are listed as popular catering menu items. This makes it easy for potential customers to get an idea of what they could provide at different kinds of events.
Also, immediately to the right of these vehicles are the dumpsters (not pictured), and I just want to say how impressed I am with the cleanliness of the restaurants trash facilities. I couldn't see any grease spills or trash lying around, which is really rare for fast food franchises.