Cracker Barrel Restaurant and Old Country Store is not only fun, it’s convenient. Where else can you shop for horse-themed home goods and indulge your taste buds with homestyle cooking at the same time?
There was a time our family traveling the interstate meant looking for the distinctive Cracker Barrel sign at lunchtime. Or breakfast. Or dinner. And after fifty years of CB’s existence, it still is. A trip from Florida to Tennessee via I-75 meant at least one meal at this iconic restaurant, always recognizable by their timeless, deep yellow and brown logo and rows of rocking chairs lined on their “front porch.”
Homestyle cooking (southern of course) and a country store; what more could you ask?
Cracker Barrel was established in September of 1969 in Lebanon, Tenn., by Dan W. Evins. As advertised, they made everything from scratch, including the corn-bread. Basing his restaurants on his childhood and what his mother put on the table, he saw a meal as more than just eating. It was a time for families to come together as well as friends. They were so successful that by 1977 they, being Evins and local investors, had opened thirteen more stores from Kentucky to Georgia. As of November 17, 2020, they now number 665 stores across the map. You no longer have to travel the path of the interstate to find a home-style cooked meal.
Designer Bill Holley from Nashville is credited for the now-iconic logo. With Holley and Evins both being from Tennessee, Holley felt he knew exactly what Evins wanted, and the rest is history. The Cracker Barrel logo is instantly recognizable and has never grown old.
Country and general stores of the past are known for large jars of candy enticing kids and adults alike and potbelly stoves, wood floors, sundry goods. While the jars of candy are still present, The Cracker Barrel Old Country Store offers a little more than their predecessors. Whether it is Panama Jack Hats, Country music CDs, or holiday decor, they stock their shelves with a wide variety of goods where you will most assuredly find something to take home.
I am always impressed with their display design and store arrangement, especially during the holidays. If I need a reminder of what season it is, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store will undoubtedly do that – lavishly!
They also feature items that any horse lover would be happy to give or receive. I love it all, but my personal favorite is a dish towel stating, “If you want a stable relationship, buy a horse.” Western decor is popular, and the Old Country Store has various items that appeal to those whose taste runs to the old West, including a boot light.
Of course, you don’t have to be a horse lover to enjoy browsing the aisles of this iconic store as indeed there is something for everyone, but I was amazed to see the number of items appealing to equestrians. Check out our Holiday Shopping page for an idea of what you might find at the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.
Remember, in-stock items vary from store to store, but if you see something you are interested in purchasing on our site, visit their online shop for more information! Be sure to tell them HRL sent you!
