Restaurant Manager

Cracker Barrel is a renowned American restaurant and gift store chain established in 1969, known for its unique blend of Southern country charm, hearty home-style meals, and a welcoming atmosphere. Over the decades, it has grown into a beloved community hub with over 70,000 team members nationwide, creating a place where guests can reconnect, feel at home, and experience more than just a meal. Cracker Barrel prides itself on exceptional guest service, quality food, and genuine hospitality, aiming to provide memorable moments that embrace the warmth of country living. The company’s presence stretches across countless locations, delivering comfort food classics alongside unique retail items, making each visit feel like a special occasion.

Joining Cracker Barrel means becoming part of a family-centered environment where teamwork and mutual respect are key. The company fosters a culture of belonging, recognition, and continuous growth, which has propelled many employees into leadership roles through internal promotion and development programs.

The role of a Restaurant Manager at Cracker Barrel is pivotal, bridging the gap between operational excellence and heartfelt hospitality. This leadership position involves overseeing both front-of-house and back-of-house operations to ensure smooth teamwork and unmatched guest experiences. The manager is responsible for coaching and developing the team, managing inventory, and enforcing standards that align with the company’s commitment to serving more than just food — it’s about creating meaningful moments for guests and team members alike. This role calls for a leader who leads with care, balances operational priorities with people-first leadership, and excels in managing a busy restaurant environment.

The position requires a minimum of 2-5 years of successful restaurant management experience, including at least one year within Cracker Barrel, ensuring familiarity with the company’s values and expectations. The candidate should be able to work 50 hours per week, typically split into five 10-hour shifts, including holidays and weekends as needed, and must hold a valid driver's license to meet operational demands.

Cracker Barrel supports its managers with competitive annual salaries, ongoing merit increases, and quarterly bonuses. The company also offers comprehensive benefits from day one, including medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, disability protection, and paid vacation. Employees are encouraged to grow professionally with tuition reimbursement and multiple development opportunities. The culture of belonging is enriched with onboarding, training, recognition programs, and employee events that promote camaraderie and engagement.

Financial security is also a priority with a 401k plan featuring company matching after 90 days and an employee stock purchase program. Additional perks include a 35% discount on food and retail items, along with exclusive benefits for managers that cover home, travel, and cell phone discounts.

In summary, a Restaurant Manager at Cracker Barrel is more than a manager — they are a leader who fosters a welcoming environment, delivers outstanding service, and supports the team in providing an experience that guests remember. The role invites those who thrive under pressure, value people-first leadership, and want to be part of an iconic American brand that truly cares about its employees and customers alike.