Ted Reinstein - New England’s General Stores: Exploring an American Classic

In the nineteenth century, all Americans knew what a cracker barrel was. Many in rural areas might have lingered around one daily. Today, its one of those just vaguely-familiar-sounding terms. The Oxford Dictionary defines cracker barrel as a reference to the barrels of soda crackers once found in country stores, around which informal discussions would take place between customers.

Definitions aside, for most Americans today, cracker barrel simply conjures the ubiquitous and eponymous chain of restaurant/gift shops that carry the name. Ever been to a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store? (If youve been on any major highway in America, youve likely seen its signs). Theres a front porch of an entrance, replete with rocking chairs and often an actual wooden barrel or two topped with a checkerboard. Customers enter and exit through a waiting area thats actually a gift shop (clever) that offers country-type, homey items (apparel, branded food products, etc.). The restaurants menu features mostly comfort food items such as meatloaf, chicken pot-pie, and Grandpas Country Fried Breakfast. The dcor is all rustic wood, warm lamplight, and splashes of red and white gingham, all designed to create the sense and atmosphere of an old country store (or country something). In reality, of course, a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is neither old nor a country store, nor is there a cracker barrel around which youll find folks gathered and engaged in discussions, formal or informal.

Nonetheless, the chains creators were on to something when they founded it in 1969. People really like the idea