Latest news with #SouthernCuisine
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
9 Restaurant Secrets About Cracker Barrel
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. With locations in almost each of the 50 states, those in America looking for a comforting, homey dining experience know Cracker Barrel has been a top spot ever since it was founded in 1969. And in the decades that it has been open, it has become characterized by its rustic aesthetic, nostalgic gift shop, all-day breakfast, and other Southern-inspired flair. However, there's more than meets the eye when it comes to this old country store. True fans of the chain would know that Cracker Barrel comes with a whole lot of history and personality, ranging all the way from how it got its nostalgic name to the present-day controversies it has since become a part of. But these miscellaneous factoids tend to get overshadowed by Cracker Barrel's more current front-facing qualities and offerings, such as its coveted Pure Natural Pancake Syrup and the peg games sitting on each joint's tables. These largely unknown facts come together, though, to give Cracker Barrel the charm -- or lack thereof -- it's often associated with having. Read more: 8 Dishes To Avoid Ordering At Cracker Barrel Based On Reviews Early Locations Had Gas Stations In today's day and age, there are plenty of gas station chains known for having the best food, whether it's Wawa with its hoagies or Casey's General Store and its Breakfast Pizza. So while names like these are no doubt widely familiar, it may surprise you to learn that the restaurant-focused Cracker Barrel once sold gas, too. Dan Evins, the establishment's founder, opened the first location in Tennessee as a triple threat; it was a gas station, restaurant, and gift shop. The latter two concepts have clearly stuck around over the decades, and while the provision of gas hasn't, it made sense at the time, considering Evins had worked in his family's oil business prior to then. But along with the mid-1970s came the oil embargo, which had consequences like a surge in oil prices and shortages in available fuel. Cracker Barrel adjusted in response, leading us to solely the food and retail experience customers are given today. A Large Chunk Of Its Customers Are Travelers According to the Cracker Barrel website, founder Dan Evins created the establishment keeping in mind that "folks traveling on the big, new interstate might appreciate a clean, comfortable, relaxed place to stop in for a good meal and some shopping that would offer up unique gifts and self-indulgences." In an effort to provide that, most Cracker Barrel locations were (and still are) placed along highways, offering a quick and convenient stopover for people looking to refuel in more ways than one. Even now, over 50 years since the first Cracker Barrel started up, the restaurant and store still accomplish Evins' goal. It might not sell gas anymore, but it still offers a welcoming accommodation for those driving by. In fact, 40% of Cracker Barrel's customers are travelers. Such a large portion of the chain's patrons coming from off the road is especially easy to picture when you learn that there are over 1,600 billboard advertisements of the restaurant scattered across the country, which is likely what alerts drivers to the fact that they're near a Cracker Barrel location in the first place and reels them in to take an exit. The Decor Is Handpicked By A Team What better way for Cracker Barrel to make its traveling customers feel right at home than with its country-themed, nostalgic aesthetic? The inviting, cozy environment isn't just a result of the eatery's lit fireplace and moody lighting, though. It's in big part thanks to a circle of people who purposefully handpick each piece of decor that you'll find hanging on the walls and sitting on the mantles of the restaurants. It was from the chain's birth that the Singleton family, consisting of Don, Kathleen, and eventually their son, Larry, was responsible for hunting around for worthwhile American artifacts from auctions and flea markets to be used at Cracker Barrel. But once Larry retired in 2019, the position was taken up by someone who had worked alongside him for decades. This team of designers has collected and been sent so much memorabilia through the years that they had to move it all into a warehouse in Tennessee for safekeeping, where there are now over 100,000 pieces of memorabilia. It's from this impressive stash of items, which includes vintage signs, posters, instruments, and so much more, that decor is sent out to Cracker Barrel locations. Each store itself has at least 800 artifacts, many of which are specially selected to align with the interests of the region it'll be housed in. The Gift Store Generates A Considerable Amount Of Cracker Barrel's Revenue Cracker Barrel manages to sell an absurd number of certain menu items every year. For perspective, consider that it serves somewhere around 230 million customers annually. According to the establishment's website, it gives out 210 million biscuits, 75 million pancakes, and 162 million eggs along the way. So naturally, you can imagine a whopping portion of Cracker Barrel's revenue comes directly from its restaurant. But still, it can't be discounted that about 20% of the chain's earnings comes from the success of its stores. The history behind Cracker Barrel's iconic gift shop would tell you that a number of fascinating items have been sold there over the years, many of which have become extremely popular and are purchased frequently. For example, each year, well over 10 million thin sticks are sold. These hard candies, which are a bit over 5 inches in length, come in appealing flavors like peach, root beer, passion fruit, and many more. Women's apparel is also successful over at Cracker Barrel, with almost four million pieces selling every year. And last but not least, the chain sells 70,000 rocking chairs annually. That number is both surprising yet not surprising at all, considering the restaurant's front porch is always lined with these comfy, inviting seats. Cracker Barrel Partners With Musicians If you've ever sat in for a meal at Cracker Barrel, you're likely already aware of the type of music it tends to play. And if you haven't, you can head on over to Spotify where you can find the "Official Cracker Barrel Playlist" shared by the chain itself. It reflects the same vibe of country-rooted, bluegrass, Christian tunes you'd bop to when having an in-person experience at the restaurant. And if you pay close enough attention, the playlist will also cue you in on some of the artists Cracker Barrel has once partnered up with. Customers who haven't taken a deep dive through Cracker Barrel's Instagram page or perused through the gift shop might not have even known at all that Cracker Barrel teams up with singers and bands. But it happens somewhat regularly that the chain will join forces with artists to produce music or create limited-edition merchandise. Some musicians who have worked with Cracker Barrel include Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, and Tauren Wells. One of the most notable partnerships, however, would be with Dolly Parton and Pentatonix, who joined forces for a marketing promotion with Cracker Barrel to sing a rendition of Parton's hit song "Jolene" together. Well, it just so happened to win a Grammy in 2017 for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. There's A Secret Milkshake Unlike chains such as Starbucks and Burger King, both of which have a long list of innovative order hacks fans love to make use of, Cracker Barrel's secret menu is practically nonexistent. From its Chicken n' Dumplins to its Old Timer's Breakfast, what you see is pretty much what you get when it comes to the joint's permanent menu. That is, except for one unlisted item, which is a humble milkshake. As simple as it is, Cracker Barrel's secret milkshake is a welcome addition to the store's limited dessert offerings that consist of only a few other options. The milkshake isn't officially listed on the menu alongside them, but you can ask your server if it can be whipped up for you. It's likely that your request can be accommodated, especially considering the beverage only contains a few ingredients thrown together, including vanilla ice cream and chocolate shavings. Foreign Objects Have Been Served More Than Once From fan favorites like Country Fried Steak and Momma's Pancake Breakfast to the discontinued Cracker Barrel items that left us way too soon, the country-themed chain houses a number of popular orders. But there are also several dishes to avoid ordering based on reviews, and that list only continues to grow when the establishment accidentally serves foreign items within them. The worst people usually expect to find in their orders is a piece of hair, and while that actually has been reported to happen in at least one Cracker Barrel location, far worse has been found as well. One of the most infamous instances was when the chain temporarily put a halt to serving burgers in 2007 after a customer in South Carolina bit into the patty and found just about the worst item that could've been discovered -- a razor. In another life-threatening incident seven years later, a man in Tennessee was served a glass of water mixed with Eco-San, a type of bleach used to clean surfaces. As expected, the side effects that followed weren't so pretty, leaving the customer to experience a series of serious issues like diarrhea and frequent cramping. He was given a whopping (though understandable) $9.4 million as a result in 2022. Some less severe -- though no less significant -- episodes have happened as well, particularly related to the restaurant's eggs. A woman in Des Moines noticed a twist tie in her scrambled eggs, and similarly, rapper Kodak Black found a staple in his. Cracker Barrel Has Been Accused Of Discrimination Numerous Times It turns out foreign objects in people's orders aren't the only scandals Cracker Barrel has been accused of. Through the years, the establishment has gotten caught up in its fair share of controversies, with one spanning back all the way to 1991 when the eatery enacted a policy stating any workers who didn't "demonstrate normal heterosexual values" would be fired. Cracker Barrel stayed true to its word and let go of several employees, triggering a series of protests. About a decade later, in 2004, Cracker Barrel was sued for a handful of racist practices toward African Americans, including seating them later than customers who arrived after them, putting them into a different section of the restaurant, and workers refusing them service. The establishment was fined $8.7 million in the settlement and was called upon to change the way it operates. However, it was as recently as 2022 that some Cracker Barrel employees were said to again discriminate against customers, allegedly using the term "Canadians" as a code word when referring to African Americans. Even children have been targeted by the chain. In December of 2024, a group of elementary-level students with disabilities was brought into a Cracker Barrel as a way to further practice social interactions. But that effort was thwarted when they were turned away and forced to get takeout instead. The employees responsible were fired, though the damage was already done. These are sadly a few instances in which Cracker Barrel has received backlash, with the chain also getting into sexual harassment lawsuits and once declining a job applicant because they were deaf. Cracker Barrel Owns Maple Street Biscuit Company Cracker Barrel evidently has a lot of secrets, but its old-timey, vintage feel isn't one of them. As such, the long-standing chain's customer base is mostly comprised of older adults who are 65 years old and above. In an attempt to connect with and reel in younger customers, Cracker Barrel made the move to acquire Maple Street Biscuit Company in 2019. Maple Street Biscuit Company is a relatively young chain that was established in 2012 in Jacksonville, Florida. It has now reached states like Texas, Virginia, Georgia, and Tennessee, among many more, adding up to almost 70 locations in the United States. Well-loved for its signature biscuit sandwiches and loaded bowls, the franchise has become known for its variety of from-scratch Southern comfort food. Sound familiar? So it adds up that Cracker Barrel would team up with Maple Street Biscuit Company, citing their shared value of hospitality as a driving factor for the acquisition. Read the original article on Chowhound.
Forbes
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Top Chef' Season 23 Set in the Carolinas, Bravo Confirms
Kristen Kish, Tom Colicchio, and Gail Simmons return for Top Chef Season 23, set in Charlotte, NC ... More and Greenville, SC. Production begins summer 2025. Top Chef is heading south. Bravo announced on July 23 that Season 23 will be filmed in Charlotte, North Carolina, with episodes also set in Greenville, South Carolina. Production starts this summer, and the season is expected to premiere in 2026. Kristen Kish returns as host alongside judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons, and the new setting promises a spotlight on Southern ingredients, regional hospitality, and two fast-growing food cities. The move follows the show's recent Emmy nominations and its continued evolution post–Padma Lakshmi. Where is Top Chef Season 23 filming? Season 23 is centered in Charlotte, North Carolina, with select episodes taking place in Greenville, South Carolina. Bravo described the two locations as 'perfect chefs' playgrounds' known for their bold flavors, agricultural abundance, and 'warm, genuine hospitality.' The show is partnering with the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority and VisitGreenvilleSC to produce the season. Both tourism boards praised the opportunity to showcase their region's culinary scenes. 'Charlotte's rapidly evolving culinary landscape blends global influences [with] This Southern setting follows the show's regional focus in recent years—from Wisconsin's hearty farm-driven season to the international turn planned for Season 22 in Canada. What does this mean for the Carolinas' food scenes? Top Chef has a long track record of boosting visibility for local chefs and ingredients. Past seasons have helped launch restaurants into national attention, increased food tourism, and brought new eyes to under-the-radar cities. Charlotte and Greenville have both seen rapid culinary growth in the last five years, with buzzy openings, James Beard attention, and farm-to-table emphasis. Being featured on Top Chef could accelerate that momentum. As VisitGreenvilleSC's Heath Dillard put it: 'Hosting Top Chef here is both validation and a celebration.' Who's returning for Season 23? Kristen Kish continues as host after stepping into the role in Season 21. Judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons also return, keeping the core judging panel consistent as the series continues its evolution. When Kish debuted as the new Top Chef host in the Wisconsin season, she brought a calm, collaborative energy to the competition—a shift some viewers welcomed after nearly two decades of Padma Lakshmi's sharper edge. When will Season 23 of Top Chef premiere? No official air date has been announced, but Season 23 will debut sometime in 2026. Based on previous seasons, a spring premiere—likely March or April—is the safest bet. Production kicks off this summer across both cities, and Bravo's announcement confirms the locations were secured in partnership with local tourism agencies. Why does this setting shift matter? This marks the show's first full return to the American South since Top Chef: Charleston in 2016–2017. But while that season focused on a more traditional vision of Southern cooking, the 2026 Carolina setting hints at something broader: international influence, evolving regional identity, and next-gen talent grounded in place. Social media response was immediate—and intense. Within an hour of the season 23 announcement on Instagram, comments poured in from chefs, locals, and longtime fans. 'Welcome to my hood besties!' wrote Charleston-based chef Shuai Wang. 'So excited!! You guys should definitely consider doing an episode in Asheville too!' one commenter added. Others begged for long-overdue Philly and Atlanta seasons, while local voices chimed in with challenge suggestions: seafood on the coast, pimento cheese, and even a Cheerwine cook-off. Greenville's tourism board and the Euphoria festival also celebrated the spotlight. With its 19th consecutive Emmy nomination and its Carolina location locked, Top Chef is entering its next phase with local flavor—and plenty of national attention.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The Retro Appetizer Our Readers Still Can't Stop Making In 2025
It really is the little things in life. And by little things, we mean the handheld, bite-sized bites waiting for you at the kitchen counter when you arrive at the party. From pontoon dip to pulled pork sliders, we've cranked out plenty of new appetizers in 2025. But one thing about our readers: 'in with the new' never means 'out with the old.' Some of our most popular recipes are the ones that have been around the longest. And one, named oh-so appropriately, keeps finding its way back to the top of the list. This year, make room on the table for Cheese Dreams. Get The Recipe What Are Cheese Dreams? Cheese dreams are pillowy bites of bread slathered in butter, topped with a generous layer of sharp Cheddar cheese, and toasted to golden, crispy perfection. You can think of them as an open-faced grilled cheese or a twist on the classic Southern cheese straw. And just like the cheese straw, cheese dreams have endless variations. Many of our readers grew up enjoying and making their own versions of this classic Southern dish, and the recipe is just as flexible as it is flavorful. Cheese Dream Ingredients In our recipe, we use freshly grated sharp Cheddar to achieve that indulgently cheesy flavor, but don't be afraid to experiment with different types of Cheddar (an aged white Cheddar would work wonders here). The flavor of our cheese mixture is further elevated by a touch of Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and ground red pepper. Everything comes together with the use of white bread, cut into attractive bite-sized sandwich squares. They're the perfect starter for any gathering. Whip up a batch and pair them with one of our favorite party drinks for a minimal-effort Lose A Recipe Again With MyRecipes, your personal recipe box, you can save and organize all of your Southern Living favorites and thousands more in one Reviewers Are Saying When our recipes take off, we have our readers to thank. Here is what home cooks had to say about this nostalgic appetizer: 'I made these for my first catering gig, and they flew off the trays! I used tramezzini bread and buttered each whole piece before stacking and cutting into smaller pieces. I served them with a chipotle scallion crema, but they would have gone in an instant despite this. It just made them slightly more decadent.' 'I made these as an addition to a small bites table for my daughter's high school graduation. By far, this was the most requested recipe! Such a surprise as it was the simplest dish to make of them all! Very delicate and moist, not to mention easy! I will definitely make these again in a pinch!' 'I love this recipe! When I have a free evening, I'll make a batch or two of cheese dreams to freeze. I just pop them in the oven while I'm mixing up drinks for company.' Read the original article on Southern Living Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cracker Barrel's Modern New Look Has Fans Divided
Cracker Barrel is updating its vintage decor with modern touches to appeal to new customers. Fans are split, with some missing the cozy nostalgia and others embracing the fresh look. The company says changes aim to keep the Cracker Barrel spirit while moving the brand Barrel has begun phasing out its iconic old-timey decor, and diners and employees are torn. The Tennessee-based restaurant chain beloved for its Southern-style cooking and charmingly cluttered interiors started implementing a rebrand last year. Cracker Barrel executives told The Wall Street Journal in May that they believe giving a physical makeover to certain locations will help boost sales, attract new customers, and hopefully keep the 56-year-old business afloat through economic fluctuations. According to a new report from WSJ, so far about 40 of the chain's roughly 660 locations have been revamped in some way. Changes are said to range from a fresh coat of paint to full, modern makeovers. Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino told CBS News that the remodels will involve using "a different color palette, updating lighting, offering more comfortable seating, and simplifying decor and fixtures." "The goal, simply put, was to freshen things in such a way as to be noticeable and attractive but still feel like Cracker Barrel," she said. As Cracker Barrel locations across the country begin unveiling their simpler aesthetics, diners have been sharing their new looks on social media. The response has been mixed, with fans of the kitschy, old-fashioned decor mourning the loss of Cracker Barrel's charming sense of nostalgia. Rachel Love posted a look at the inside of her local Tennessee Cracker Barrel on TikTok in April. 'When Cracker Barrel took away the last piece of nostalgia you had left,' she captioned a video of the restaurant's updated interior. While other TikTok users have shared similar videos and similar sentiments, some diners have expressed their appreciation for the new look. 'I'm secretly wishing that maybe the changes don't come to our restaurant,' longtime Cracker Barrel diner and Florida resident Sharon Triana told WSJ. 'It has always felt like being in someone's home. But opening the walls, lighter colors and atmosphere, it feels like something colder.' Felss Masino says the backlash is a positive sign. 'It's because people have an emotional connection with the brand,' she recently told The Wall Street Journal Global Food Forum, adding that the chain is working to honor that fandom even as it makes changes. 'People's immediate reaction to things is like, 'Oh this isn't the way it was,'' but they tend to come around, Felss Masino said. A Cracker Barrel employee in central North Carolina told WSJ that she's excited for her restaurant to get a face lift, and that she expects the blowback to pass. "Any restaurant that likes to base itself on a specific time period, it's going to have to go through that sort of identity crisis,' she said. 'But I think it might be overblown. It's not like Cracker Barrel is trying to roll in with TVs.' Read the original article on Southern Living
Telegraph
03-07-2025
- Telegraph
Forget Route 66 and Highway 1, this is the greatest road trip in America
Highway 61. Route 66. Ventura Highway. Legendary freeways across the North American continent they may be, but there is more to a great American road trip than names on a song sheet. For me, there is one drive that beats them all, mainly because it meanders through small towns, allows time just to hang around and, most important, engage with the locals. So, if you throw in Southern music and southern cuisine, you pretty much have the best of the USA. Follow me, y'all. My drive started in Nashville, the glistening, glittering showpiece southern city that I have long regarded as one of the most pleasant places on earth. Its success has meant it's getting rather overcrowded, with tourists and arrivistes, but there remains a thrill about the place that other American cities just don't have. The live music is sensational and the nouvelle Nashville cuisine is brilliant. In my most recent short stay there I saw some pretty good bar bands on Lower Broadway, sensational country/bluegrass (Larry Cordle, Carl Douglas et al) at the Station Inn, had a great night at the Grand Ole Opry, and then one of the concerts of my life – Paul Simon at the Ryman Auditorium, the mother church of live country music. I also ate at two of the best restaurants in the South, 888 Japanese Restaurant & Vinyl Lounge, and Deb Paquette's Etch, among the founders and leaders of the city's culinary movement. What's not to like? So far, so Nashville. But this is about the drive, the best road trip in America. It would take me south along the I-65 and then the I-59, to Muscle Shoals and Florence, Alabama, the source of the great southern music of the 60s and 70s; then west to Tupelo, Mississippi, the birthplace of Elvis, and then west again to Clarksdale, Mississippi, the birthplace of the blues. The return leg would bring me back to Tupelo, and then along the Natchez Trace Parkway, one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, scenic drives in the country, back to Nashville. A certain choreography was required. I needed to see live music in Florence, get time to wander around Oxford, Mississippi (home of Southern literary greats and a bookshop that opens at 9am, even on Sundays) and Tupelo (birthplace of Elvis), and still get to Clarksdale early on a Sunday morning in time for the service at the Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church. You can't travel through the South without attending a Baptist church on a Sunday morning. Florence is the up-and-coming town in the Shoals area, and I arrived in good time to check into the Renaissance Shoals Hotel & Spa and head into town for a live music session at FloBama Music Hall, which is just a large space with food, long bar, pool tables and incredible Southern Rock. Last time I was here, I heard Fathers and Sons (Will McFarlane, ex-Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and Bonnie Raitt Band, and Kelvin Holly, ex Little Richard band) in full flow. This being Florence, it was just another Saturday night. When I wandered in this time, there were couples draped over bar stools, men in cowboy hats, women in satin, hats, boas. The Chad Bradford Band was playing, working their way through a Southern rock directory from Tush to Freebird. And the two-steppers were out there, gliding across the dance floor in cowboy boots and Stetsons, looking like cut-outs from the 1950s. The following morning, it was a two-hour drive to Tupelo, which meant crossing from Alabama into Mississippi, and falling into a small Southern city which trades on being the birthplace of Elvis, and succeeds in being a far more profound experience than Disneyfied Graceland. Here is the Gospel church where the boy Elvis first heard heavenly voices, listened to firebrand preachers and hung out with young black kids who taught him about their music. By the time the family emigrated to Memphis, Elvis was already formed. From Tupelo, the last outward leg is the 115-mile drive to Clarksdale via Oxford Mississippi, the pretty university town that is home to many great Southern writers – most famously William Faulkner, but also Barry Hannah, John Grisham and many others. It is a delightful town that architecturally and spiritually reflects the bookish culture it is known for. After Oxford, one passes through Batesville and at that moment you drop into the Delta. The landscape changes, from forested hill country, to the flat endless alluvial plain that has been for more than a century the landscape of the Mississippi cotton fields. Even the music on the car radio changes – from country and Southern rock to the blues. I arrived in Clarksdale on a Sunday morning, in time to meet up with an old friend, and attend the morning service at the local Baptist church. I've been visiting this blues city for 20 years and so find it at once familiar and at the same time surprising and exhilarating. Clarksdale's music legacy – starting with Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and Ike Turner – remains, and you'll see the younger pretenders at Morgan Freeman's Ground Zero Blues Club, or any of the juke joints downtown if you're prepared to hang around. You'll also get to meet the engaging locals, often migrants from the northern states seeking the blues. Finally, it was time to head back to Nashville. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 440-mile roadway that winds through the wildlands and forests of three states – Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee – and is the wild untamed South writ large. I picked 'the Trace' up outside Tupelo and cruised blissfully at 50mph (the well-observed and well-policed limit) for several hours. It is scattered with historic monuments that celebrate 19th-century adventurers, soldiers and explorers like Meriweather Lewis, who died on the Trace, Andrew Jackson, Jefferson Davis and Ulysses Grant. The Trace emerges near Franklin, the neatly-clipped Nashville suburb that is Norman Rockwell on steroids. It seems like an appropriate end to a brief but profound journey through the South – and America's greatest road trip. How to do it One of the reasons this is the best drive in America is that each leg between destinations is short. Nashville to Florence, along a combination of freeways and minor roads, is just 130 miles (taking two to three hours). The other legs are equally manageable: Florence to Tupelo is 115 miles (two hours), Tupelo to Clarksdale is also 115 miles. The return along the Natchez Trace Parkway to Nashville is the longest leg (220 miles, so three to four hours). For hotels in Nashville, see our guide. British Airways offers daily non-stop flights from Heathrow.
