Cracker Barrel is one of those places that knows how to draw people in! Its Southern charm and warm atmosphere have people stopping all day long for a taste of their famous Southern-style food. Here are some surprising facts about Cracker Barrel to savor with your biscuits.
Cracker Barrel Used to Sell Gas
When Cracker Barrel opened in 1969, drivers could stop in and fill up on Shell gasoline. The restaurant chain continued to sell gas at its locations up until the mid-1970s.
Each Restaurant Has Local Decor
Each Cracker Barrel is decorated based on what’s popular around the local area. Plus, the restaurants are decked out with actual antiques! The company even has someone in charge of uncovering the historic odds n’ ends used at each Cracker Barrel.
Cracker Barrel Sells Millions of Chicken N’ Dumplins
More than 11 million orders of Cracker Barrel’s famous Chicken N’ Dumplins are sold each year. That’s a LOT of Dumplins! (We’ve also heard that the chain sells 37 million pancakes and 13 million pounds of chicken tenders.) If you want to enjoy a huge chunk of those tasty dumplins, here’s how you can win free Cracker Barrel for a year.
It’s Named After an Actual Barrel
Back in the day, country stores used to sell soda crackers (similar to Saltines) in barrels. Customers would use the barrels as makeshift tables to stand around and chat. Today, Cracker Barrel’s logo is still a man sitting in a rocking chair next to a cracker barrel.
There’s No Relationship to Cracker Barrel Cheese
You’ve probably seen Cracker Barrel cheese in the dairy section at your grocery store. The Cracker Barrel cheese has nothing to do with Cracker Barrel restaurants, but we bet they’d make a great mac n’ cheese anyway.
They Sell Kitchenware
Believe it or not, if you go to Cracker Barrel’s website, you can buy tons of kitchen products! Browse popcorn makers, pots and pans, plus home décor. They also sell candy and clothing, plus gift baskets for any Cracker Barrel lovers you know.
Shh—They Secretly Make Milkshakes
Cracker Barrel doesn’t have milkshakes listed on its menu—at any location. But if you ask your server to whip up a milkshake, you won’t be disappointed. Yelp reviewers claim the restaurant’s milkshakes are one of Cracker Barrel’s best kept secrets.
Cracker Barrel Can Predict the Next President
During the 2012 election, one analyst said the race boiled down to Whole Foods vs. Cracker Barrel. Republicans had the most votes in places with Cracker Barrels, Democrats won in places with a Whole Foods. Look for Cracker Barrel to predict the next election!