Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc., commonly known as Cracker Barrel, is an American chain of combined restaurant and gift stores with a Southern country theme. Founded in 1969 by Dan Evins in Lebanon, Tennessee, the company was initially established to attract travelers along highways by offering traditional Southern cuisine and a nostalgic shopping experience.

The first Cracker Barrel restaurant opened on September 19, 1969, near Interstate 40 in Lebanon, Tennessee. Designed to resemble an old-fashioned general store, each location features a front porch lined with wooden rocking chairs, a stone fireplace, and decorative artifacts from the local area.

This rustic ambiance aims to provide a warm, welcoming environment reminiscent of a traditional country store.

Cracker Barrel's menu is rooted in Southern comfort food, offering dishes such as biscuits, grits, country ham, and turnip greens. Breakfast is served all day, and the menu includes a variety of lunch and dinner options, including fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, and country fried steak.

The company also operates a retail store within each location, selling gifts, toys, puzzles, woodcrafts, country music CDs, DVDs of early classic television, cookbooks, baking mixes, kitchen novelty decor, and early classic brands of candy and snack foods.

Locations and Presence

As of July 2024, Cracker Barrel operates 687 locations across 45 states and territories in the United States.

The states with the highest number of restaurants include:

• Florida with 63 locations
• Texas with 60 locations
• Tennessee with 55 locations

The company has expanded into states such as California and New York, bringing its signature biscuits and gravy to regions not traditionally known for Southern cuisine.

Additional Locations

• Camarillo, CA
• Abilene, TX
• Lewisville, TX
• McAllen, TX
• Phoenix, AZ
• Holyoke, MA
• Northglenn, CO
• Fort Wayne, IN
• Naperville, IL
• North Las Vegas, NV
• Hampton, VA
• Lawton, OK
• Brooklyn, OH
• Buckeye, AZ
• Yuma, AZ
• Durham, NC
• El Paso, TX
• Indianapolis, IN
• North Little Rock, AR
• Gilbert, AZ

Community Involvement

In addition to its culinary offerings, Cracker Barrel is known for its community involvement and charitable activities.

The company has supported causes including assistance to victims of Hurricane Katrina and programs for injured war veterans.

Cracker Barrel has partnered with country music performers, such as Dolly Parton, to release collector's editions of her albums.

It has also supported military families through organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project and Operation Homefront.

Conclusion

Cracker Barrel's unique combination of Southern cuisine, nostalgic ambiance, and community engagement has made it a beloved destination for travelers and families seeking a comforting dining experience across the United States.