Cracker Barrel: Born In Lebanon

Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel is one of the most popular restaurants in the United States. People from all over the country love it, but did you know it originated in Lebanon? It’s true. The first Cracker Barrel opened on Highway 109 in Lebanon back in 1969, and it’s grown by leaps and bounds since. It’s crazy to think that it all started right here. Check out Cracker Barrel’s history to get a better idea of why this restaurant has reached legendary status.

A Star Is Born

When the first Cracker Barrel opened, it was clear that it was a different type of restaurant. While other places served up food from a can or the freezer, Cracker Barrel made things from scratch. That included its famous cornbread.

Word quickly spread, and people started flooding to the restaurant. The demand was there, so the owner knew what he had to do. It was time to expand.

Expanding in the South

Eight years after the original location opened, owner Dan Evins and his investors decided to expand. They opened up 12 more locations, bringing the total to 13. These locations spanned from Kentucky to Georgia, and soon, everyone realized what the people of Lebanon were talking about. From the cornbread to the entrées, Cracker Barrel had a knack for making fresh, delicious food.

The Secret’s Out

For a while, you had to live in one of the states that had a Cracker Barrel to know about it, but that all changed in 1981 when the restaurant became a publicly traded company. When it reached the stock exchange, it was clear that Cracker Barrel was turning into one of the biggest restaurant chains in the country if not the world. And just think – it all started in Lebanon.

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Cracker Barrel Today

The restaurant chain continued to expand, and now, it has 653 restaurants. These restaurants are located in 45 states, so no matter where you are, there’s a good chance you can find a Cracker Barrel. Of course, you don’t have to travel for the fresh biscuits and cornbread. You can still chow down in Lebanon.

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Disclaimer: The stock image is being used for illustrative purposes only, and it is not a direct representation of the business, recipe, or activity listed. Any person depicted in the stock image is a model.