The History Behind Cracker Barrel's Iconic Gift Shop

But first, what exactly is a Cracker Barrel?

Today, when you hear the terms "cracker" and "barrel" together, you likely envision a restaurant that resembles a quaint old general store with a spacious front porch. However, the name of this iconic chain found along America's highways actually originates from a characteristic of traditional small-town shops. In the early 1900s, country stores received shipments of soda crackers in large wooden barrels. These containers not only protected the crackers from being crushed during transport but also became social hubs where customers would gather to chat.

If you visit any Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, you'll undoubtedly notice those barrels. While you won't find soda crackers inside to snack on, the barrels still function as a social space for patrons. Cracker Barrel repurposes them as checkerboard tables, allowing guests to enjoy a friendly game while they wait for their table.

1969 is when it all began for the chain

While today’s highways are lined with numerous gas stations, shops, restaurants, and roadside attractions, this was not always the situation. The Interstate Highway System was still developing when Dan Evins conceived a plan to cater to weary travelers. Over 50 years ago, Evins established the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in Lebanon, Tennessee, a suburb located about 30 miles east of Nashville.

Serving as both a comforting taste of home and a convenient stop for travelers, Evins opened the first Cracker Barrel on September 19, 1969, along Highway 109. Patrons could enjoy hearty, home-cooked Southern dishes such as turnip greens and biscuits with gravy (though today, Cracker Barrel offers a variety of other delightful options). Before or after their meal, visitors could explore the gift shop for road trip essentials and souvenirs. And once they had satisfied their hunger, they could ensure their gas tank was full as well.

Cracker Barrel used to be in the gasoline business

Absolutely! While today's customers recognize and cherish Cracker Barrel as iconic roadside diners and gift shops, the original establishments also offered gasoline. Before launching his own venture, founder Dan Evins worked as a Shell Oil salesman, applying those skills to his new business. However, just a few years later, the Oil Shock of the mid-1970s hit the United States hard. With oil prices soaring nearly fourfold and consumers feeling the strain, Evins and his investors—who had by then opened over a dozen locations across the Southern U.S.—made the decision to shut down their gas pumps.

Although this meant Cracker Barrel was losing one of the three essential elements that Evins had envisioned for his one-stop shop when he established the company in 1969, the decision ultimately proved beneficial. The company redirected its focus to the two remaining components: the restaurant and the gift shop.

Axing gas to grow the gift shop and restaurant

Despite the oil crisis forcing tourists to seek alternative gas stations, Cracker Barrel continued to be a staple for road trippers as Evins focused on improving the restaurant menu and expanding the gift shop. Even in the absence of fuel, Cracker Barrel's business thrived. In 1977, it operated 13 locations, but by 1997, that number had surged to over 300.

Today, the two key elements of every Cracker Barrel location are closely intertwined. They have become a combined experience — the gift shop and restaurant are always found together, requiring patrons to pass through one to access the other. Customers have grown fond of this arrangement. For those tired travelers looking for a place to unwind, the chain remains committed to its origins, serving a significant number of road-weary visitors. Of its 230 million annual customers, approximately 40% are travelers.

The antiques are authentic

Entering a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store can feel like a journey back in time, which is precisely the goal. As you explore the gift shop and restaurant, you'll likely encounter decor reminiscent of your grandmother's (or perhaps even your great-grandmother's) home. From vintage photographs and posters to classic cast iron skillets and a myriad of other items, each Cracker Barrel location boasts an impressive collection of 950 to 1,000 authentic antiques.

When Cracker Barrel was established in 1969, founder Dan Evins sought the expertise of local antique dealers Don and Kathleen Singleton from Lebanon, Tennessee, to help realize his vision. The Singletons provided genuine antiques to create the perfect ambiance for the very first store. Eventually, they became full-time designers, leading to the establishment of Cracker Barrel's own 26,000 square-foot decor warehouse. In 1979, the decorating duties transitioned to their son, Larry Singleton, who served as the chief picker until his retirement in 2019.

Each Cracker Barrel location is also uniquely adorned to reflect the character of its community. These regional antiques highlight the distinctive features of the area — for instance, the sock-themed decor in Fort Payne, Alabama, known as the Sock Capital of the World. Regardless of the specific items, every Old Country Store is thoughtfully decorated to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

You'll find a cookstove in the gift shop and horseshoes above the doors

While the antiques may vary from one location to another, there are five signature items you can always expect to find in every Cracker Barrel. One of these iconic pieces is a cookstove, often used as a display in the gift shop. This cookstove contributes to the nostalgic ambiance that many Cracker Barrel enthusiasts have come to love and cherish.

The warm, retro atmosphere is further enhanced by four additional key elements. As you enter through the front door, take a moment to look up. You'll spot an ox yoke, a unique piece of equipment traditionally used to enable a pair of oxen to pull farming implements, commonly found above Southern barn doors. Above every front exterior door, a horseshoe can be seen, symbolizing good fortune. Once you step into the dining area, be sure to notice the deer head mounted above the fireplace. Finally, a glowing traffic light will guide you toward the restrooms.

Thin sticks are a gift shop crowd favorite

Cracker Barrel's unmistakably cozy atmosphere goes beyond its decor and extends to many of the iconic items in its gift shop. Step into any Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, and you'll encounter an impressive array of sweet treats, featuring timeless favorites like crispy peanut brittle and soft pecan logs. However, at just $0.35 each, the hard candy sticks have become a cherished indulgence for Cracker Barrel fans across the country. With flavors that include root beer, lemon, and peppermint, there's something to please nearly every taste, and the budget-friendly price encourages customers to stock up and sample a variety.

The restaurant chain affectionately refers to these nostalgic confections as "thin sticks," and they are a staple in the gift shop. The Old Country Store sells over 13 million of these five-inch sugar wands each year, making them one of the chain's top-selling retail items, alongside rocking chairs and women's apparel.

There's plenty more to buy in the Old Country Store

In addition to traditional sweets and popular items like the renowned pancake syrup and biscuit mix, the Cracker Barrel gift shop features a wide array of products, including souvenirs, trinkets, clothing, accessories, and even furniture. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store boasts approximately 6,000 retail stock-keeping units (SKUs), with its inventory constantly changing. The store refreshes its seasonal displays around 40 times a year to keep customers engaged with new offerings.

However, there are a few signature Cracker Barrel products that consistently grace the shelves, regardless of the time of year. One such item is the classic (and occasionally frustrating) peg game—a small wooden triangle where players attempt to jump pegs over one another until only one remains. The Old Country Store sells over 300,000 of these games annually.

The rocking chairs on the front porch are not just for relaxing while you wait for your table; they are also available for purchase. Cracker Barrel sells about 70,000 rocking chairs each year. The Hinkle Chair Company, which has been crafting rocking chairs for nearly 200 years, produced the restaurant chain's original rockers and continues to supply them for the Old Country Store today.

The gift shop made a New York City appearance

As Cracker Barrel locations are commonly found along interstates, it’s no surprise that the restaurant chain is absent from a bustling metropolis like New York City. However, New Yorkers still craved its distinctive Southern hospitality. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Cracker Barrel unveiled a 269-square-foot replica during the 2019 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This miniature version featured the signature front porch rocking chairs, a cozy dining room fireplace, and, naturally, the gift shop.

While viewers from all over enjoyed the replica on television, New Yorkers had the unique chance to step inside the tiny Cracker Barrel when it was stationed in Foley Square the day before the parade. Although those hoping for cornbread or catfish might have been let down by the absence of the restaurant's home-cooked meals, the small but functional gift shop certainly compensated for it. Customers could explore and buy a variety of nostalgic trinkets, treats, and gifts.

Sadly, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has yet to establish a permanent location in New York City. Nevertheless, there are over 600 locations across the country, including several in New York State. However, some states in the U.S. still lack a Cracker Barrel.

Since 2013, Cracker Barrel's been selling products outside the gift shop

If you're craving that Cracker Barrel goodness but can't make it to an Old Country Store, don't worry. Since 2013, they've been offering licensed products at grocery stores. Just a heads up: if you're in the dairy section, you're looking in the wrong spot. The Cracker Barrel restaurant is not connected to the cheese brand. In fact, products from the popular chain are sold under the name "CB Old Country Store" due to a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by Kraft Foods, which owns the Cracker Barrel cheese brand that originated in 1954.

However, it might be more convenient to visit the Cracker Barrel website to have those gift shop items delivered right to your door. The online Old Country Store features a robust grocery section, showcasing highlights like Cracker Barrel's unique spiced apple butter, along with collections of the same candy, home decor, and apparel you would find in-store.