Cracker Barrel#LGBT policies

Cracker Barrel was founded in 1969 by Dan Evins, a representative for Shell Oil, who developed the restaurant and gift store concept initially as a plan to improve gasoline sales.{{Cite news |last=Rhein |first=Liz |date=June 10, 1987 |title=Along the interstate with Cracker Barrel |page=112 |work=Restaurant Business |issue=V86 |url=http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=4S5W-1K80-TX4X-W1B5&csi=140610&oc=00240&perma=true |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224125539/http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=4S5W-1K80-TX4X-W1B5&csi=140610&oc=00240&perma=true |archive-date=December 24, 2013 |issn=0097-8043}} Designed to resemble the traditional country store that he remembered from his childhood, with a name chosen to give it a Southern country theme,{{Cite news |last=Carlino |first=Bill |date=September 20, 1993 |title=Dan W. Evins: barreling toward the top |page=115 |work=Nation's Restaurant News |issue=V27 |url=https://business.highbeam.com/409700/article-1G1-14418429/dan-w-evins-barreling-toward-top |url-status=dead |access-date=January 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206182556/https://business.highbeam.com/409700/article-1G1-14418429/dan-w-evins-barreling-toward-top |archive-date=February 6, 2016 |issn=0028-0518}} Cracker Barrel was intended to attract the interest of highway travelers. The name comes from the barrels of soda crackers that could be found for sale in small-town stores across the American South in the early 1900s; people would stand around the barrels chatting and catching up, similar in purpose to contemporary office water coolers.{{Cite web|last=|first=|last2=|date=July 12, 2017|title=Where Did Cracker Barrel Get Its Name?|url=https://www.southernliving.com/culture/where-did-cracker-barrel-get-its-name|url-status=live|access-date=November 19, 2021|website=Southern Living|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715102155/http://www.southernliving.com:80/culture/where-did-cracker-barrel-get-its-name |archive-date=July 15, 2017 }}

The first restaurant was built close to Interstate 40, just outside Lebanon on the Gallatin Highway 109 exit in Tennessee.{{Cite news |last=Gutner |first=Toddi |date=April 27, 1992 |title=Nostalgia sells |page=102 |work=Forbes |url=http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=3SJB-2X10-0019-F10P&csi=7986&oc=00240&perma=true |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224120410/http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=3SJB-2X10-0019-F10P&csi=7986&oc=00240&perma=true |archive-date=December 24, 2013}} It opened on September 19, 1969,{{Cite news |last=Adler Thorp |first=Susan |date=April 28, 1986 |title=Summer Tourists Improve Picture for Cracker Barrel |page=10 |work=Memphis Business Journal |url=http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=3SND-S900-007B-43X7&csi=3559&oc=00240&perma=true |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224123832/http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=3SND-S900-007B-43X7&csi=3559&oc=00240&perma=true |archive-date=December 24, 2013}} serving Southern cuisine including biscuits, grits, country ham, and turnip greens.

Evins incorporated Cracker Barrel in February 1970, and soon opened more locations. In the early 1970s, the firm leased land on gasoline station sites near interstate highways to build restaurants. These early locations all featured gas pumps on-site; during gasoline shortages in the mid to late 1970s, the firm began to build restaurants without pumps.

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Cracker Barrel became a publicly traded company in 1981 to raise funds for further expansion. It floated more than half a million shares, raising $10.6 million. Following the initial public offering, Cracker Barrel grew at a rate of around 20 percent per year; by 1987, the company had become a chain of more than 50 units in eight states, with annual net sales of almost $81 million. The company grew consistently through the 1980s and 1990s, attaining a $1 billion market value by 1992.{{Cite news |last=Brooks |first=Steve |date=March 1, 1996 |title=A barrel full of questions |page=48 |work=Restaurant Business |url=http://business.highbeam.com/137339/article-1G1-18064994/barrel-full-questions |url-status=dead |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127014035/http://business.highbeam.com/137339/article-1G1-18064994/barrel-full-questions |archive-date=November 27, 2014}}{{Cite news |last=Moritz |first=Gwen |date=April 25, 1994 |title=Off the interstate and to the 'burbs |page=33 |work=Nashville Business Journal |issue=V10 |url=http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=3S7T-9FT0-008G-31MY&csi=3559&oc=00240&perma=true |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129013548/http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=3S7T-9FT0-008G-31MY&csi=3559&oc=00240&perma=true |archive-date=November 29, 2014}} In 1993, the chain's revenue was nearly twice that of any other family restaurant.

In 1994, the chain tested a carry-out-only store, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Corner Market, in suburban residential neighborhoods.{{where|date=July 2023}} In addition, it expanded into new markets through the establishment of more traditional Cracker Barrel locations, the majority of them outside the South, and tested alterations to its menus to adapt to new regions.{{Cite news |last=Tarquinio |first=J. Alex |date=September 25, 1997 |title=Cracker Barrel Customizes Menus, Changes Reflect Regional Tastes |work=The Capital Times |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-69509259.html |url-status=dead |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402210132/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-69509259.html |archive-date=April 2, 2015}} The chain added regional dishes to its menus, including eggs and salsa in Texas and Reuben sandwiches in New York, but continued to offer its original menu items in all restaurants. Cracker Barrel did not close any locations until 1995, when a location on American Way in Memphis, Tennessee was closed due to it no longer meeting the company's standards.{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/774534445/ | title=Cracker Barrel closes; safety cited | work=The Commercial Appeal | date=November 3, 1995 | accessdate=August 21, 2023 | author=Laurel Campbell | pages=B8}}

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By September 1997, Cracker Barrel had 314 restaurants, and aimed to increase the number of stores by approximately 50 per year over the following five years. The firm closed its Corner Market operations in 1997 and refocused on its restaurant and gift store locations. The company's president, Ron Magruder, stated that the chain was concentrating on strengthening its core theme, offering traditional foods and retail in a country store setting, with good service and country music.{{Cite news |last=Strother |first=Susan G. |date=February 1, 1998 |title=President: Cracker Barrel is Rolling Along |page=H1 |work=Orlando Sentinel (Florida) |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1998/02/01/president-cracker-barrel-is-rolling-along/ |url-status=live |access-date=January 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214044840/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1998-02-01/business/9802020469_1_cracker-barrel-barrel-old-country-restaurant |archive-date=December 14, 2013}} The number of combined restaurants and stores owned by Cracker Barrel increased between 1997 and 2000, to more than 420 locations. In 2000 and 2001, the company addressed staffing and infrastructure issues related to this rapid growth by implementing a more rigorous recruitment strategy and introducing new technology, including an order-placement system.{{Cite news |last=Farkas |first=David |date=May 1, 2000 |title=Fixing the Fixin's |page=96 |work=Chain Leader |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-62345581.html |url-status=dead |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610171007/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-62345581.html |archive-date=June 10, 2014 |issn=1528-4999}} Also in 1997, the company purchased the Mitchell House in Lebanon, Tennessee. The house had been the elementary dormitory and school for Castle Heights Military Academy which both Dan Evins and his son attended. The school had closed in 1986 and the building had sat empty since then. Cracker Barrel spent two million dollars to restore the home and used it as its corporate headquarters from 1999 to 2013.{{Cite news |last=Felkins |first=Jared |date=November 8, 2013 |title=Cracker Barrel sells Mitchell House to fraternity |work=Lebanon Democrat |location=Lebanon, Tennessee |url=http://www.lebanondemocrat.com/Business/2013/11/07/Cracker-Barrel-sells-Mitchell-House-to-fraternity |url-status=dead |access-date=May 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807235239/http://www.lebanondemocrat.com/Business/2013/11/07/Cracker-Barrel-sells-Mitchell-House-to-fraternity |archive-date=August 7, 2017}}{{Cite web |title=Mitchell House, Cracker Barrell |url=http://www.manousdesign.com/pl_comm_mitchel1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223161243/http://www.manousdesign.com/pl_comm_mitchel1.html |archive-date=February 23, 2015 |access-date=May 2, 2018 |publisher=Manous Design}}

The company was criticized for anti-LGBT policies in the 1990s, which it reversed in response to backlash from the public and shareholders. In the early 2000s, Cracker Barrel was the subject of several civil rights lawsuits and a U.S. Justice Department investigation, all of which were settled. Cracker Barrel licensed products are sold in grocery stores under the name "CB Old Country Store" following a 2013 trademark-infringement lawsuit brought by Kraft Foods, which sells cheese under the brand name Cracker Barrel.

From the late 1990s to the mid-2000s, the company focused on opening new locations in residential areas to attract local residents and workers as customers. The chain opened its first restaurant and gift store not located near a highway in 1998, in Dothan, Alabama.{{Cite news |last=Jackovics |first=Ted |date=June 26, 2005 |title=Cracker Barrel opens new restaurants away from interstates |work=Tampa Tribune |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-133622309/cracker-barrel-opens-new.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 21, 2012}} In the 2000s, in the wake of incidents including charges of racial discrimination and controversy over its policy of firing gay employees, the firm launched a series of promotional activities including a nationwide book drive and a sweepstakes with trips to the Country Music Association Awards and rocking chairs among the prizes.{{Cite news |last=Hartmann |first=Stacey |date=May 21, 1999 |title=Cracker Barrel celebrates 30th with book drive, sweepstakes |page=6E |work=The Tennessean |url=http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=4969-FMN0-01D1-81V2&csi=255267&oc=00240&perma=true |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001145035/https://signin.lexisnexis.com/lnaccess/app/signin?back=https%3A%2F%2Fadvance.lexis.com%3A443%2Fnexis%2F%3Flni%3D4969-FMN0-01D1-81V2%26csi%3D255267%26oc%3D00240%26perma%3Dtrue&aci=ndc |archive-date=October 1, 2021}} It updated its marketing in 2006 to encourage new customers, changing the design of its highway billboard advertisements to include images of menu items. Previously the signs had featured only the company's logo.{{Cite news |last=French |first=Rose |date=November 23, 2006 |title=Cracker Barrel overhauls billboards |page=5 |work=The Houston Chronicle |url=http://www.chron.com/business/article/Cracker-Barrel-overhauls-billboards-1855880.php |url-status=live |access-date=February 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225051318/http://www.chron.com/business/article/Cracker-Barrel-overhauls-billboards-1855880.php |archive-date=December 25, 2013}}

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By 2011, Cracker Barrel had opened more than 600 restaurants in 42 states.{{Cite press release |title=Cracker Barrel Fiscal 2011 Fourth Quarter Conference Call on the Internet |date=August 30, 2011 |publisher=Cracker Barrel Old Country Store |url=http://investor.crackerbarrel.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=602026 |access-date=September 15, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402091240/http://investor.crackerbarrel.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=602026 |archive-date=April 2, 2015}}{{Cite news |date=August 10, 2011 |title=Cracker Barrel names McCarten as a board member |work=Yahoo! News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://news.yahoo.com/cracker-barrel-names-mccarten-board-member-145620976.html |url-status=dead |access-date=January 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224095255/http://news.yahoo.com/cracker-barrel-names-mccarten-board-member-145620976.html |archive-date=December 24, 2013}}{{Cite press release |title=Cracker Barrel Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2011 Results And Provides Guidance for Fiscal 2012 |date=September 13, 2011 |publisher=Cracker Barrel Old Country Store |url=http://investor.crackerbarrel.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=604826 |access-date=January 21, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120408002229/http://investor.crackerbarrel.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=604826 |archive-date=April 8, 2012}} The company has since begun expansion to the West Coast: in 2017, their first store in the region opened in Tualatin, Oregon,{{Cite web |last=Garner |first=Meg |date=April 14, 2017 |title=Cracker Barrel opens first West Coast restaurant |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2017/04/14/cracker-barrel-opensfirst-west-coast-restaurant.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109201441/https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2017/04/14/cracker-barrel-opensfirst-west-coast-restaurant.html |archive-date=November 9, 2019 |website=Nashville Business Journal |access-date=March 2, 2021}} and their first store in California was opened the next year in Victorville.{{Cite news |last=Cruz |first=Rene Ray De La |date=February 5, 2018 |title=The 'magic' of Cracker Barrel: Fans line up for the official opening day of the company's first store in California |language=en |work=vvdailypress.com |url=https://www.vvdailypress.com/news/20180205/magic-of-cracker-barrel-fans-line-up-for-official-opening-day-of-companys-first-store-in-california |url-status=live |access-date=March 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207033137/http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/20180205/magic-of-cracker-barrel-fans-line-up-for-official-opening-day-of-companys-first-store-in-california |archive-date=December 7, 2018}} In 2019 Cracker Barrel purchased Maple Street Biscuit Company for $36 million cash.{{Cite web |last=Luna |first=Nancy |date=October 11, 2019 |title=Cracker Barrel buys Maple Street for $36M |url=https://www.nrn.com/family-dining/cracker-barrel-buys-maple-street-36m? |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011210613/https://www.nrn.com/family-dining/cracker-barrel-buys-maple-street-36m |archive-date=October 11, 2019 |access-date=October 11, 2019 |website=Nations Restaurant News}}

Cracker Barrel partnered with DoorDash in 2020, in response to restaurant closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It was the restaurant's first partnership with a delivery service.{{cite news |title=Cracker Barrel, DoorDash announce delivery partnership

|last1=Settembre|first1=Jeanette |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/cracker-barrel-doordash-delivery-partnership |work=Fox Business |date=April 30, 2020|access-date=April 13, 2022}}{{cite news |title=Cracker Barrel Strikes a Delivery Deal with DoorDash

|last1=|first1= |url=https://www.fsrmagazine.com/content/cracker-barrel-strikes-delivery-deal-doordash|work=FSR Magazine |date=April 27, 2020|access-date=April 13, 2022}} Cracker Barrel permanently added alcohol to its menu for the first time in September 2020. The company began testing a limited selection of beer, wine and mimosas at 100 stores in early 2020 before announcing that it would expand the offerings to over 600 of its locations after receiving a positive response from its customers.{{cite news |title=Cracker Barrel is adding alcohol to the menu for the first time in its history |last1=Johnson |first1=Lauren |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/19/business/cracker-barrel-alcohol-sales-trnd/index.html |work=CNN |date=September 19, 2020 |access-date=November 15, 2023}}{{cite news |title=Cracker Barrel will add alcohol to menu for the first time in its history |last1=Kennedy Wynne |first1=Sharon |url=https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/food/2020/09/21/cracker-barrel-will-add-alcohol-to-menu-for-the-first-time-in-its-history/ |work=Tampa Bay Times |date=September 21, 2023 |access-date=November 15, 2023}} In Q2 2023, the company reported $933.9 million in revenues; takeout, delivery, and catering made up 23% of sales.{{cite web |title=Cracker Barrel intends to tout value with $5 to-go meals |last1=Romeo |first1=Peter |url=https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/marketing/cracker-barrel-intends-tout-value-5-go-meals |work=Restaurant Business |date=February 28, 2023 |access-date=May 17, 2023}} In May 2024, Cracker Barrel revealed that 16% of their customer base had not returned since 2020.{{cite news | title=Cracker Barrel CEO says chain is 'just not as relevant as we once were,' amid struggles | date=May 24, 2024 | url=https://foxbaltimore.com/news/nation-world/cracker-barrel-ceo-julie-felss-masino-says-chain-is-just-not-as-relevant-as-we-once-were-amid-sales-struggles-pre-pandemic-covid-19-covid19-decades-loyal-senior-clientele-never-returned-stock-remodels-price-adjustments-consumer-trends-business | work=foxbaltimore.com }}

Cracker Barrel served the following as a Thanksgiving dinner in 2024,"..roasted turkey breast, cornbread dressing and gravy, country green beans, sweet potato casserole with pecans, and cranberry relish. All of this will also come with a choice of buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins, a refillable beverage, and a slice of pumpkin pie.." as well as kids and premium versions.{{Cite web |last=Ruback |first=Brianna |date=2024-11-26 |title=Cracker Barrel Thanksgiving 2024: Everything to Know |url=https://www.eatthis.com/cracker-barrel-thanksgiving-2024/ |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=Eat This Not That |language=en}}

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As a Southern-themed chain, Cracker Barrel serves traditional Southern comfort food often described as "down-home" country cooking. Breakfast is served all day, and there are two menus: one for breakfast, the other for lunch and dinner. Since the first restaurant opened, the menu has featured Southern specialties, including biscuits, fried chicken, and catfish; seasonal and regional menu items were added during the 1980s and 1990s.

The gift shops sell gifts including simple toys representative of the 1950s and 1960s, toy vehicles, puzzles, and woodcrafts. Also sold are country music CDs, DVDs of early classic television, cookbooks, baking mixes, kitchen novelty decor, and early classic brands of candy and snack foods.{{Cite news |last=Hoover |first=Ken |date=April 25, 2005 |title=Cracker Barrel Served Up Piping Hot Profit |page=B20 |work=Investor's Business Daily |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-131870424/cracker-barrel-served-up.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 21, 2012}}{{Cite news |last=Papiernik |first=Richard L |date=November 27, 1995 |title=Down-home image can't hide Cracker Barrel's fine tuned focus |page=11 |work=Nation's Restaurant News |url=http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/9512120505/down-home-image-cant-hide-cracker-barrels-fine-tuned-focus |url-status=dead |access-date=January 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020234644/http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/9512120505/down-home-image-cant-hide-cracker-barrels-fine-tuned-focus |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |issn=0028-0518}}

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For much of its early history, Cracker Barrel located its restaurants along the Interstate Highway System, and the majority of its restaurants remain close to interstate and other highways.{{Cite news |last=Russell |first=Keith |date=July 5, 2002 |title=Travelers taking to highways |page=1E |work=The Tennessean |url=http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=467R-M650-01D1-74MP&csi=255267&oc=00240&perma=true |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224125541/http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=467R-M650-01D1-74MP&csi=255267&oc=00240&perma=true |archive-date=December 24, 2013}}{{Cite news |last=Kappes |first=Keith |date=August 16, 2011 |title=It's official: Cracker Barrel coming to Morehead! |work=The Morehead News |url=http://themoreheadnews.com/local/x670930367/It-s-official-Cracker-Barrel-coming-to-Morehead |url-status=live |access-date=August 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130204031552/http://themoreheadnews.com/local/x670930367/It-s-official-Cracker-Barrel-coming-to-Morehead |archive-date=February 4, 2013}}{{Cite news |last=Wadhwani |first=Anita |date=March 13, 2011 |title=Cracker Barrel tries out new strategies |work=The Tennessean |url=http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=52CX-S0M1-JC3H-015C&csi=255267&oc=00240&perma=true |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224123828/http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=52CX-S0M1-JC3H-015C&csi=255267&oc=00240&perma=true |archive-date=December 24, 2013}}

The locations are themed around the idea of a traditional Southern U.S. general store. Items used to decorate each store are authentic artifacts, including everyday objects from the early 1900s and after.{{Cite news |last=Loew |first=Karen |date=June 25, 2003 |title=Toys in the Attic |page=1W |work=The Tennessean |url=http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=48Y1-5N30-01D1-730B&csi=255267&oc=00240&perma=true |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224114823/http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=48Y1-5N30-01D1-730B&csi=255267&oc=00240&perma=true |archive-date=December 24, 2013}} Each location's exterior features a front porch lined with wooden rocking chairs, while the interiors all include five common decorations: a shotgun, a cookstove, a deer head, a telephone, and a traffic light. Every table has a wooden peg solitaire game.{{Cite news |last=Hall |first=Jason |date=July 12, 1999 |title=Cracker Barrel: country-fried success since 1999 |page=10 |work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IiAiAAAAIBAJ&pg=4452,3371301&dq=cracker-barrel+peg-game&hl=en |url-status=live |access-date=October 31, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019125108/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IiAiAAAAIBAJ&pg=4452,3371301&dq=cracker-barrel+peg-game&hl=en |archive-date=October 19, 2020}}{{Cite news |date=August 31, 2009 |title=Cracker Barrel turns 40 |work=The Tennessean |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/tennessean/access/1850643851.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Aug+31 percent2C+2009&author=&pub=The+Tennessean&desc=Cracker+Barrel+turns+40&pqatl=google |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 4, 2012}}{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{Cite web |last=Williams, G. Chambers III |date=September 3, 2013 |title=Cracker Barrel 'pickers' were years ahead of TV reality shows |url=http://archive.tennessean.com/article/20130903/BUSINESS01/309030041/Cracker-Barrel-pickers-were-years-ahead-TV-reality-shows |archive-url=https://archive.today/20151125071941/http://archive.tennessean.com/article/20130903/BUSINESS01/309030041/Cracker-Barrel-pickers-were-years-ahead-TV-reality-shows |archive-date=November 25, 2015 |website=The Tennessean}}

The decor at each location also includes artifacts related to the local history of the area, such as antique household tools, old calendars and posters, and antique photographs. The practice began with the first location which was decorated by Lebanon, Tennessee, antique store owners Don and Kathleen Singleton. The Singletons continued to be involved in decorating subsequent stores until 1979 followed by their son, Larry Singleton, who held the role until his retirement in 2019.{{Cite web |last=Lagomarsino |first=Katherine |date=April 11, 2018 |title=Dream Job Alert: This Man Is In Charge of Buying Antiques for Every Single Cracker Barrel |url=https://www.countryliving.com/shopping/antiques/a19662508/larry-singleton-cracker-barrel/ |access-date=August 6, 2021 |website=Country Living}}{{Cite web |last=Beck |first=Ken |date=November 20, 2019 |title=Singleton lives in his 'Lebanon museum' |url=https://www.wilsonpost.com/community/singleton-lives-in-his-lebanon-museum/article_b8c22ebc-0bb6-11ea-ac28-7723fbcbab78.html |access-date=August 18, 2021 |website=The Wilson Post |language=en}} Items acquired by the company to be used as decorations are centrally stored in a Tennessee warehouse,{{Cite news |last=Richards |first=Gregory |date=January 27, 2003 |title=Cracker Barrel Chain Makes an Art out of Decoration |work=Florida Times-Union |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-96885665.html |url-status=dead |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610172650/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-96885665.html |archive-date=June 10, 2014}} where they are cleaned, restored and cataloged until needed.{{Cite web |last=Williams III |first=G. Chambers |date=September 2, 2013 |title=Cracker Barrel warehouse is treasure trove of Americana |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/09/02/cracker-barrel-antiques-warehouse/2756607/ |access-date=August 6, 2021 |website=USA TODAY}} {{As of|2018}}, the facility held more than 90,000 items.{{Cite web |last=Matthews |first=Lauren |date=April 11, 2018 |title=12 Things You Didn't Know About Cracker Barrel |url=https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2722/things-you-didnt-know-about-cracker-barrel |access-date=August 6, 2021 |website=Country Living}}

File:Rock away (08-17-08).jpg

Destinations magazine has presented the chain with awards for best chain restaurant,{{Cite news |last=Rutledge |first=K Dawn |date=August 27, 2003 |title=Restaurant company continues to strengthen its business through Outreach |page=1B |work=Westside Gazette |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-496005361.html |url-status=dead |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610175811/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-496005361.html |archive-date=June 10, 2014}} and in 2010 and 2011, the Zagat survey named it the "Best Breakfast".{{Cite news |last=Hieb |first=Dan |date=August 18, 2010 |title=Zagat gives thumbs up to Cracker Barrel |work=Nashville Business Journal |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/stories/2010/08/16/daily17.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100821124016/http://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/stories/2010/08/16/daily17.html |archive-date=August 21, 2010}}{{Cite news |last=Polis |first=Carey |date=September 6, 2011 |title=Five Guys, Subway Top In-N-Out, Taco Bell In Zagat's Fast Food Survey |work=The Huffington Post |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/06/zagat-fast-food-survey_n_950167.html |url-status=live |access-date=October 31, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026130605/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/06/zagat-fast-food-survey_n_950167.html |archive-date=October 26, 2011}} The chain was selected by the Outdoor Advertising Association of America as the 2011 OBIE Hall of Fame Award recipient for its long-standing use of outdoor advertising.{{Cite news |date=March 1, 2011 |title=Cracker Barrel Secures OBIE Hall of Fame Award |work=Manufacturing Close-Up |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-28089576.html |url-status=dead |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610172618/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-28089576.html |archive-date=June 10, 2014}} It was also named the "Best Family Dining" restaurant by a nationwide "Choice in Chains" consumer poll in Restaurants & Institutions magazine for 19 consecutive years.

Cracker Barrel is known for the loyalty of its customers, particularly travelers who are likely to spend more at restaurants than locals. From 1977 to 2017, married couple Ray and Wilma Yoder drove a combined total of more than 5 million miles (an average of 342 miles per day) to visit 644 Cracker Barrel locations. When the company opened their 645th restaurant, in Tualatin, Oregon, in August 2017 (on Ray Yoder's 81st birthday), it flew the Yoders out for the grand opening and presented them with custom aprons and rocking chairs, among other gifts.{{cite magazine |title=Elderly Couple Couple Traveled 5 Million Miles to Hit Every Cracker Barrel in America Except One |last1=Grossman |first1=Lena |url=https://time.com/4878055/cracker-barrel-couple-road-trip/ |magazine=Time |date=July 28, 2017 |access-date=March 2, 2021}}{{cite web |title=Couple completes mission to visit all 645 Cracker Barrels in America |last1=Pennell |first1=Julie |url=https://www.today.com/food/cracker-barrel-loving-couple-visits-all-locations-america-t115675 |work=Today |date=August 29, 2021 |access-date=March 2, 2021}}

Company founder Dan Evins led the company until 2001, when he was succeeded by Michael Woodhouse.{{cite news |title=Cracker Barrel founder steps aside, new chairman named |last1=Orr |first1=Paige |url=https://www.nashvillepost.com/business/retail/cracker-barrel-founder-steps-aside-new-chairman-named/article_b5e78c66-56b1-5eb5-849e-5f888641a001.html |work=Nashville Post |date=September 28, 2004 |access-date=December 19, 2023}} In September 2011, Sandra B. Cochran became the company's CEO and president. Cochran was the second woman in Tennessee to hold that office in a publicly traded company.{{Cite news |last=Allyn |first=Bobby |date=August 2, 2011 |title=Cracker Barrel says 'goodbye, glass ceiling' |work=The Tennessean |page=B1 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/281798217/ |access-date=February 12, 2021}}{{Cite web |last=Crocker |first=Brittany |title=Cracker Barrel CEO Sandra Cochran leads charge for chain's racial, LGBTQ inclusivity |url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/2019/06/21/grayston-fitts-controversy-highlights-cracker-barrel-advances-on-diversity-inclusivity/1498513001/ |access-date=July 6, 2022 |website=Knoxville News Sentinel |language=en-US}} She held the position until August 2023, when Julie Felss Masino was named as Cochran's successor.{{Cite web |title=Leadership |url=https://investor.crackerbarrel.com/corporate-governance/management |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101145012/https://investor.crackerbarrel.com/corporate-governance/management |archive-date=November 1, 2019 |access-date=November 1, 2019 |website=investors.crackerbarrel.com |publisher=Cracker Barrel}}

Cracker Barrel restaurants are aimed at the family and casual dining market as well as retail sales. The chain also advertises to people traveling on the interstate highways, as the majority of its locations are close to highway exits. The company has promoted its cost controls to investors.{{Cite press release |title=10-Q: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc |date=February 21, 2012 |publisher=Edgar Online 10-K, 10-Q Glimpse Feed (USA) |url=http://investor.crackerbarrel.com/secfiling.cfm?filingID=1140361-12-49021 |access-date=December 23, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224102453/http://investor.crackerbarrel.com/secfiling.cfm?filingID=1140361-12-49021 |archive-date=December 24, 2013}}{{Cite news |last=McCain |first=Randy |date=May 3, 2009 |title=Core values are at heart of Cracker Barrel's rise |work=The Tennessean |url=http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=7VKY-5031-2PYT-527P&csi=255267&oc=00240&perma=true |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224123830/http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=7VKY-5031-2PYT-527P&csi=255267&oc=00240&perma=true |archive-date=December 24, 2013}} The company has stated its goals are to keep employee turnover low and to provide better trained staff. Since the 1980s, the firm has offered a formal training program with benefits for progressing through it to all of its employees.{{Cite news |last=Carlson |first=Kathy |date=October 27, 2003 |title=At Cracker Barrel, training is a specialty |page=1E |work=The Tennessean |url=http://www.thetennessean.com/business/companies/archives/03/12/41449648.shtml?Element_ID=41449648 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040201041900/http://www.thetennessean.com/business/companies/archives/03/12/41449648.shtml?Element_ID=41449648 |archive-date=February 1, 2004}}

Cracker Barrel has sponsored a variety of NASCAR races. From 1999 to 2001, they sponsored the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway{{Cite news |last=Russell |first=Keith |date=August 18, 2001 |title=Atlanta Motor Speedway |page=1A |work=The Tennessean |url=http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=497J-RH50-01D1-83GS&csi=255267&oc=00240&perma=true |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001145025/https://signin.lexisnexis.com/lnaccess/app/signin?back=https%3A%2F%2Fadvance.lexis.com%3A443%2Fnexis%2F%3Flni%3D497J-RH50-01D1-83GS%26csi%3D255267%26oc%3D00240%26perma%3Dtrue&aci=ndc |archive-date=October 1, 2021}} and currently the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway since 2025.{{Cite web |last=Albino |first=Dustin |date=April 10, 2025 |title=Cracker Barrel named entitlement sponsor of Cup race at Nashville |url=https://www.jayski.com/2025/04/10/cracker-barrel-named-entitlement-sponsor-of-cup-race-at-nashville/ |access-date=April 10, 2025 |website=Jayski's Silly Season Site |language=en-US}}

Cracker Barrel has frequently collaborated with country musician Dolly Parton. The company first worked with Parton in 2009 on the collector's edition of her album Backwoods Barbie. Since then, the company has released collector's editions of other Parton albums. It also brought together Parton and the a cappella group Pentatonix to create a remix of Parton's song Jolene, which won a Grammy Award for best country duo/group performance in 2017.{{Cite web|last=Warren|first=Lisa|title=East Tennessee's Dolly Parton Gets 8th Grammy Win|url=https://www.greenevillesun.com/features/maturity/east-tennessees-dolly-parton-gets-8th-grammy-win/article_3a9d8e52-178c-5bd2-b1d1-6007e8dd52cb.html|url-status=live|access-date=January 4, 2022|website=Greeneville Publishing Company|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123072221/https://www.greenevillesun.com/features/maturity/east-tennessees-dolly-parton-gets-8th-grammy-win/article_3a9d8e52-178c-5bd2-b1d1-6007e8dd52cb.html |archive-date=November 23, 2021 }} Parton also performed as part of Cracker Barrel's appearance in the 2020 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.{{Cite web|last=Shelton|first=Caitlyn|date=November 11, 2020|title=Dolly Parton to perform in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade|url=https://fox17.com/news/local/dolly-parton-to-perform-in-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-holly-dolly-christmas-cracker-barrel-new-york-tennessee-holidays|access-date=January 4, 2022|website=WZTV|language=en}}

In 2009, the company worked with country musician Alan Jackson to release an album, called Songs of Love and Heartache, along with a collectible collection.{{Cite magazine |last=Walsh |first=Christopher |date=October 23, 2009 |title=Alan Jackson Collection Coming From Cracker Barrel |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/alan-jackson-collection-coming-from-cracker-barrel-266961/ |access-date=May 27, 2022 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} In 2019, the company launched its 'Five Decades, One Voice' campaign, which highlighted female country music singers such as Loretta Lynn, Trisha Yearwood, and Brandi Carlile after a study found female country artists receive less radio time than male artists. The initiative included producing covers of classic country songs and creating all-female playlists for the company's restaurants.{{cite web |title=Country's biggest female stars band together for equal representation, industry changes |last1=FitzPatrick |first1=Hayley |url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/countrys-biggest-female-stars-band-equal-representation-industry/story?id=64196031%20ABC%20News |work=ABC News |date=July 9, 2019 |access-date=January 31, 2022}}{{cite magazine |title=Little Big Town, Ingrid Andress Cover Dixie Chicks for Women in Country Campaign |last1=Moss |first1=Marissa R. |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/little-big-town-ingrid-andress-dixie-chicks-wide-open-spaces-864494/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=July 29, 2019 |access-date=January 31, 2021}}

In 2011, The Oak Ridge Boys recorded a 30th anniversary edition of their album "It's Only Natural" for the company.{{cite web |title=The Oak Ridge Boys Member Joe Bonsall Talks About Their New Live Dinner Christmas Show at Opryland Now Until Christmas Night |last1=Shields |first1=Judy |url=https://thehollywoodtimes.today/the-oak-ridge-boys-member-joe-bonsall-talks-about-their-new-live-dinner-christmas-show-at-opryland-now-until-christmas-night/ |work=The Hollywood Times |date=November 24, 2020 |access-date=January 25, 2022}} In 2020, Cracker Barrel brought together Ingrid Andress, Kimberly Schlapman, and Karen Fairchild to collaborate on a version of Andress' song "More Hearts Than Mine."{{cite magazine |title=Year in Review: 10 Best Country Collaborations of 2020 |last1=Bernstein |first1=Jonathan |last2=Freeman |first2=Jon |last3=Hudak |first3=Joseph |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country-lists/best-country-collaborations-2020-1095338/ingrid-andress-kimberly-schlapman-karen-fairchild-more-hearts-than-mine-1095347/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=December 2, 2020 |access-date=January 25, 2022}} Cracker Barrel is on the Corporate Advisory Board for the Texas Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP),{{Cite web |title=Corporate Advisory |url=http://www.txnaacp.org/corporate-advisory.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206213932/http://www.txnaacp.org/corporate-advisory.html |archive-date=February 6, 2016 |access-date=February 6, 2016 |website=texasnaacp.org |publisher=Texas Conference of the NAACP}} and is a corporate sponsor of the NAACP Leadership 500 Summit.{{Cite web |date=May 2015 |title=Sponsors |url=http://www.l500.org/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208112125/http://www.l500.org/ |archive-date=February 8, 2016 |access-date=February 6, 2016 |website=NAACP Leadership 500 Summit |publisher=NAACP}}

They also sponsored the Grand Ole Opry from 2004 to 2009. The company was the first presenting sponsor of the Grand Ole Opry.{{Cite news |last=Naujeck |first=Jeanne Anne |date=October 2, 2004 |title='Opry' adds Cracker Barrel to name |page=1E |work=The Tennessean |url=http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=4DGK-H9C0-01D1-73S2&csi=255267&oc=00240&perma=true |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001145037/https://signin.lexisnexis.com/lnaccess/app/signin?back=https%3A%2F%2Fadvance.lexis.com%3A443%2Fnexis%2F%3Flni%3D4DGK-H9C0-01D1-73S2%26csi%3D255267%26oc%3D00240%26perma%3Dtrue&aci=ndc |archive-date=October 1, 2021}} This sponsorship allowed the company to make connections within the Nashville music industry, following which it entered into partnership with a number of country music performers.{{Cite news |date=November 11, 2007 |title=Cracker Barrel banks on CD deals |work=The Tennessean |url=http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=4R46-8B40-TWWX-K1P0&csi=255267&oc=00240&perma=true |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001145039/https://signin.lexisnexis.com/lnaccess/app/signin?back=https%3A%2F%2Fadvance.lexis.com%3A443%2Fnexis%2F%3Flni%3D4R46-8B40-TWWX-K1P0%26csi%3D255267%26oc%3D00240%26perma%3Dtrue&aci=ndc |archive-date=October 1, 2021}}

File:Cracker Barrel (3432634625).jpg

Cracker Barrel has supported a wide range of charities through one-off donations, promotional events, and partnerships with charitable organizations.{{Cite news |date=November 1, 2007 |title=Cracker Barrel Donates to Civil Rights Fund |page=5 |work=The Tennessee Tribune |url=http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=4R70-FR50-TXVX-K0R0&csi=316793&oc=00240&perma=true |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224110257/http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=4R70-FR50-TXVX-K0R0&csi=316793&oc=00240&perma=true |archive-date=December 24, 2013 |issn=1067-5280}} The chain has supported charities and causes in communities where its restaurants are located, including the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina in 2005{{Cite news |date=October 17, 2005 |title=Cracker Barrel donates $1 million worth of food to Gulf |page=22 |work=Nation's Restaurant News |url=https://business.highbeam.com/409700/article-1G1-137754752/cracker-barrel-donates-1-million-worth-food-gulf |url-status=dead |access-date=February 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206225928/https://business.highbeam.com/409700/article-1G1-137754752/cracker-barrel-donates-1-million-worth-food-gulf |archive-date=February 6, 2016 |issn=0028-0518}} and Nashville after severe flooding in 2010. In the same year, Cracker Barrel established Cracker Barrel Cares Inc., an employee-funded non-profit organization that provides support to Cracker Barrel employees.{{Cite news |last=Elan |first=Elissa |date=May 31, 2010 |title=A flood of support: restaurateurs pitch in to raise funds for Nashville disaster victims; Community |work=Nation's Restaurant News |url=http://nrn.com/corporate/flood-support |url-status=live |access-date=February 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318001635/http://nrn.com/corporate/flood-support |archive-date=March 18, 2013}} Cracker Barrel has also formed a partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project, a charity for injured veterans,{{Cite news |last=Richardson |first=Hamilton |date=May 30, 2009 |title=CD sales support injured vets |work=The Montgomery Advertiser |url=http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=7VV4-BKS0-Y9DT-G52W&csi=258106&oc=00240&perma=true |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224110050/http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=7VV4-BKS0-Y9DT-G52W&csi=258106&oc=00240&perma=true |archive-date=December 24, 2013}} as well as the nonprofit Operation Homefront to support programs for military families.{{cite news |last1=Panzino |first1=Charlsy |date=August 12, 2016 |title=Cracker Barrel to donate rocking chairs to military families |work=delish.com |url=https://www.delish.com/food-news/a20885231/cracker-barrel-donated-rocking-chairs-to-military-mothers/ |access-date=April 13, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Weinberg |first1=Sarah |date=May 23, 2018 |title=Cracker Barrel Gave Away 100 Free Rockers To Expectant Military Moms |work=Delish |url=https://www.delish.com/food-news/a20885231/cracker-barrel-donated-rocking-chairs-to-military-mothers/ |access-date=April 13, 2022}}{{cite news |title=Red, white and babies: Military moms treated to baby shower

|last1=Valladolid|first1=Shannon |url=https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/red-white-and-babies-military-moms-treated-to-baby-shower/67-573796948 |work=Tampa Bay news|date=July 14, 2018 |access-date=April 13, 2022}}

In attempts to rebuild its image after several race-related controversies,{{Cite news |last=French |first=Rose |date=June 18, 2005 |title=Cracker Barrel Rebuilds Image |page=9B–10B |work=The Post and Courier |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2482&dat=20050618&id=q2ZJAAAAIBAJ&pg=3560,1116053 |url-status=dead |access-date=January 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124175543/http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2482&dat=20050618&id=q2ZJAAAAIBAJ&sjid=rwoNAAAAIBAJ&pg=3560,1116053 |archive-date=January 24, 2013}} the firm has provided a scholarship through the National Black MBA Association,{{Cite news |date=October 1, 2002 |title=Cracker Barrel Old Country Store offers $25,000 scholarship through National Black MBA program |page=2 |work=Chicago Defender |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-220340491.html |url-status=dead |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610171004/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-220340491.html |archive-date=June 10, 2014 |issn=0745-7014}} and job skills programs and sponsorships with 100 Black Men of America{{Cite news |date=November 19, 2005 |title=100 Partners For Student Leadership |page=5 |work=Atlanta Inquirer |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-117271866.html |url-status=dead |url-access=subscription |access-date=February 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329042459/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-117271866.html |archive-date=March 29, 2015}} and the Restaurant and Lodging Association.{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Will |date=November 13, 2008 |title=Cracker Barrel serves up funding |page=5A |work=Tallahassee Democrat |url=http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=4TXF-VB40-TXDB-109H&csi=247839&oc=00240&perma=true |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224121934/http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=4TXF-VB40-TXDB-109H&csi=247839&oc=00240&perma=true |archive-date=December 24, 2013}} In November 2021, Cracker Barrel launched an initiative called Food for Families aimed at addressing food insecurity, hunger and reducing food waste in rural and underserved communities and in middle Tennessee. This was in addition to a new partnership with the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Foundation and Feeding America.{{cite news|title=Cracker Barrel announces new initiative to fight hunger ahead of Thanksgiving |last=Hollan|first=Michael|url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/cracker-barrel-initiative-fight-hunger-thanksgiving| date=November 15, 2021|access-date=April 14, 2022}}

In early 1991, an intra-company memo called for employees to be dismissed if they did not display "normal heterosexual values". According to news reports, at least 11 employees were fired under the policy on a store-by-store basis from locations in Georgia and other states. After demonstrations by gay rights groups, the company ended its policy in March 1991 and stated it would not discriminate based on sexual orientation.{{Cite news |last=Price |first=Deb |date=December 23, 2002 |title=Perseverance gains Cracker Barrel gift |page=11A |work=The Detroit News |url=http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=47HJ-6MY0-01CY-M44S&csi=255260&oc=00240&perma=true |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222052952/http://w3.nexis.com/new/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=47HJ-6MY0-01CY-M44S&csi=255260&oc=00240&perma=true |archive-date=February 22, 2014}}{{Cite news |last=Hayes |first=Jack |date=March 4, 1991 |title=Cracker Barrel comes under fire for ousting gays |page=1 |work=Nation's Restaurant News |issue=V25 |url=https://business.highbeam.com/409700/article-1G1-10400309/cracker-barrel-comes-under-fire-ousting-gays |url-status=dead |access-date=February 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206190224/https://business.highbeam.com/409700/article-1G1-10400309/cracker-barrel-comes-under-fire-ousting-gays |archive-date=February 6, 2016 |issn=0028-0518}} The company's founder, Dan Evins, subsequently described the policy as a mistake. From 1992 onward,{{Cite journal |last=McCann |first=Michelle |date=July 1, 1998 |title=Shareholder Proposal Rule: Cracker Barrel in Light of Texaco |url=http://lawdigitalcommons.bc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2106&context=bclr |url-status=live |journal=Boston College Law Review |publisher=Boston College Law School |volume=39 |issue=4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222202758/http://lawdigitalcommons.bc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2106&context=bclr |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |access-date=January 24, 2012}} the New York City Employees Retirement System, then a major shareholder, put forward proposals to add sexual orientation to the company's non-discrimination policy. An early proposal in 1993 was defeated, with 77 percent against and only 14 percent in support, along with 9 percent abstaining.{{Cite news |last=Staff writer |date=November 24, 1993 |title=Restaurant Bias Ban Loses |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/11/24/business/restaurant-bias-ban-loses.html?ref=cbrlgroupinc |url-status=live |access-date=May 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309051846/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/11/24/business/restaurant-bias-ban-loses.html?ref=cbrlgroupinc |archive-date=March 9, 2014}} It was not until 2002 that the proposals were successful; 58 percent of company shareholders voted in favor of the addition.

Between 2008 and 2021, Cracker Barrel raised its rating in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index from 15 to 80 by adding sexual orientation non-discrimination policies and training programs.{{Cite web |year=2007 |title=2008 Corporate Equality Index |url=http://www.hrc.org/files/assets/resources/CorporateEqualityIndex_2008.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119091012/http://www.hrc.org/files/assets/resources/CorporateEqualityIndex_2008.pdf |archive-date=January 19, 2012 |access-date=January 12, 2012 |publisher=Human Rights Campaign}}{{Cite web |title=Corporate Equality Index 2019 – Full Report |url=https://assets2.hrc.org/files/assets/resources/CEI-2019-FullReport.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423185243/https://assets2.hrc.org/files/assets/resources/CEI-2019-FullReport.pdf |archive-date=April 23, 2021 |access-date=April 23, 2021 |website=Human Rights Campaign}}{{Cite web |title=Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. |url=https://www.hrc.org/resources/buyers-guide/cracker-barrel-old-country-store-inc. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721172430/https://www.hrc.org/resources/buyers-guide/cracker-barrel-old-country-store-inc. |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |access-date=April 23, 2021 |website=HRC |language=en-US}}

Beginning in 2016, the company adopted a pro-LGBT stance, developing an internal diversity council which included LGBT members. Since 2017, the company has sponsored Out & Equal, a workplace-equality non-profit organization.{{Cite web |date=October 13, 2017 |title=LGBT friendly policies make business sense |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/the-report/articles/2017-10-13/lgbt-friendly-policies-make-business-sense |access-date=October 20, 2021 |publisher=US News}}

Sardar Biglari purchased shares of Cracker Barrel in 2011 through his company Biglari Holdings Inc. He has been critical of the company's management,{{Cite news |last=Ruggless |first=Ron |date=November 13, 2013 |title=Cracker Barrel shareholders reject third Biglari board bid |work=Nation's Restaurant News |url=http://nrn.com/corporate/cracker-barrel-shareholders-reject-third-biglari-board-bid |url-status=live |access-date=December 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224115800/http://nrn.com/corporate/cracker-barrel-shareholders-reject-third-biglari-board-bid |archive-date=December 24, 2013}}{{Cite news |last=Duprey |first=Rich |date=December 20, 2013 |title=Biglari Takes Another Crack at Cracker Barrel |publisher=The Motley Fool |url=http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/12/20/biglari-takes-another-crack-at-cracker-barrel.aspx#.UrhsG32JC6c |url-status=live |access-date=December 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131222212720/http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/12/20/biglari-takes-another-crack-at-cracker-barrel.aspx#.UrhsG32JC6c |archive-date=December 22, 2013}} and between 2011 and 2020 made five attempts to join the company's board of directors. Cracker Barrel claimed Biglari had a "hidden agenda" and a conflict of interest by holding shares in other restaurant chains such as Steak 'n Shake.{{Cite web |last=Parton |first=Mitchell |date=September 15, 2020 |title=Cracker Barrel rejects SA investor Sardar Biglari's attempt at control |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2020/09/15/cracker-barrel-rejects-biglari-attempt-control.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927040047/https://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2020/09/15/cracker-barrel-rejects-biglari-attempt-control.html |archive-date=September 27, 2020 |website=San Antonio Business Journal |access-date=April 20, 2021}}{{Cite news |last=Heller |first=Jonathan |date=August 21, 2013 |title=Food Fight: Biglari Makes Another Run at Cracker Barrel |publisher=The Street |url=http://www.thestreet.com/story/12014669/1/food-fight-biglari-makes-another-run-at-cracker-barrel.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224123029/http://www.thestreet.com/story/12014669/1/food-fight-biglari-makes-another-run-at-cracker-barrel.html |archive-date=December 24, 2013}} In 2022, Cracker Barrel entered into an agreement with Biglari, whereby the restaurant chain would agree to appoint Biglari's preferred nominee for the board of directors, Jody Bilney. As part of the agreement, Cracker Barrel was to pay Biglari compensation for monies spent by Biglari while in pursuit of specific board nominations. Mutual non{{nbh}}disparagement and standstill agreements were also entered into by both parties.{{cite news|last=Maze|first=Jonathan|archive-date=July 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707164456/https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/sardar-biglari-cracker-barrel-call-truce|title=Sardar Biglari and Cracker Barrel Call A Truce|work=Restaurant Business|date=September 28, 2022|url=https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/sardar-biglari-cracker-barrel-call-truce}}

In 1999 and 2001, federal lawsuits were filed against Cracker Barrel in Georgia. The former was brought by a group of employees who claimed the company had discriminated against them on the grounds of race, and the latter by customers making the same accusations.{{cite news |title=Patrons Accuse Cracker Barrel of Bias |last1=McCambel |first1=Candy |url= |work=The Tennessean |date=December 14, 2001 |page=1E}} Both lawsuits were supported by the NAACP. Regarding both accusations, Cracker Barrel officials disputed the claims and stated that the company was committed to fair treatment of its employees and customers.{{cite news |title=Inquiry on Cracker Barrel Stores |last1= |first1= |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/13/business/inquiry-on-cracker-barrel-stores.html |agency=Associated Press |date=September 13, 2002 |access-date=January 8, 2024}} In October 2002, a federal appeals court in Atlanta ruled that the NAACP and an additional 40 plaintiffs could not join the lawsuit brought by customers in 2001, and in January 2003 a federal magistrate recommended that the lawsuit brought by employees not be given class-action status.{{cite news |title=Judge recommends no class-action status for Cracker Barrel suit |last1=Weber |first1=Harry |url=https://journaltimes.com/news/national/judge-recommends-no-class-action-status-for-cracker-barrel-suit/article_2b63d35a-dabd-5665-bc5b-dc841dfc2aad.html |agency=Associated Press |date=January 8, 2003 |access-date=January 8, 2024}} Both lawsuits were settled by the company in September, 2004.{{cite news |title=

Cracker Barrel Settles Lawsuits |last1=McDowell |first1=Amber |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/2004/09/10/cracker-barrel-settles-lawsuits/d59eb6a4-8fb5-45e3-83ab-fce470e814a2/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=September 10, 2004 |access-date=January 8, 2024}}

The U.S. Justice Department filed a suit against Cracker Barrel in May 2004, after its own investigation had found evidence that the company allegedly violated Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by discriminating against minority customers at its restaurants. The company settled the lawsuit by signing a five-year agreement to introduce "effective nondiscrimination policies and procedures",{{Cite news |date=May 3, 2004 |title=Justice Department Settles Race Discrimination Lawsuit Against Cracker Barrel Restaurant Chain |work=United States Department of Justice |url=https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2004/May/04_crt_288.htm |url-status=live |access-date=January 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027064647/http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2004/May/04_crt_288.htm |archive-date=October 27, 2011}} and hiring an outside auditor to ensure compliance with the terms of the settlement.{{cite web |title=Cracker Barrel Agrees to Plan To Address Reports of Bias |last1=Lichtblau |first1=Eric |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/04/us/cracker-barrel-agrees-to-plan-to-address-reports-of-bias.html |work=The New York Times |date=May 4, 2004 |access-date=January 8, 2024}}

In November 2012, Cracker Barrel licensed its name to Smithfield Foods' John Morrell Division to sell a line of meat products through retail channels. In response, Kraft Foods, which has sold a line of cheese under the Cracker Barrel brand since 1954, filed a trademark-infringement lawsuit in February 2013. Kraft asked that the Smithfield Foods deal be nullified by the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Illinois. A judge granted an injunction against the sale of the Cracker Barrel branded meat products. The injunction was upheld by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and Cracker Barrel agreed to sell its products under the brand name "CB Old Country Store".{{Cite news |date=February 1, 2013 |title=Kraft sues Cracker Barrel restaurants over trademark |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2013/02/01/kraft-sues-cracker-barrel-restaurants-over-trademark/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213194341/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-02-01/business/chi-kraft-sues-cracker-barrel-restaurants-over-trademark-20130201_1_cracker-barrel-restaurant-chain-license-agreement |archive-date=February 13, 2013}}{{Cite web |last=United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit |date=November 14, 2013 |title=Kraft Foods vs. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. |url=http://media.ca7.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/rssExec.pl?Submit=Display&Path=Y2013/D11-14/C:13-2559:J:Posner:aut:T:fnOp:N:1240491:S:0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424122718/http://media.ca7.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/rssExec.pl?Submit=Display&Path=Y2013%2FD11-14%2FC%3A13-2559%3AJ%3APosner%3Aaut%3AT%3AfnOp%3AN%3A1240491%3AS%3A0 |archive-date=April 24, 2018 |access-date=February 2, 2019}}{{Cite news |last=Maze |first=Johnathan |date=October 4, 2013 |title=Cracker Barrel Kraft Settle Differences |publisher=Rest Finance |url=https://www.restfinance.com/Restaurant-Finance-Across-America/October-2013/Cracker-Barrel-Kraft-Settle-Differences/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203084917/https://www.restfinance.com/Restaurant-Finance-Across-America/October-2013/Cracker-Barrel-Kraft-Settle-Differences/ |archive-date=February 3, 2019}}

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