5 Major Changes You'll See at Cracker Barrel
There are quite a few things different about restaurants since the beginning of 2020. As the weather cools down, there are a few things that are going to continue to change about dining out. Expect to still sit outside with lots of blankets, industrial portable heaters, and even more comfort food. One beloved restaurant chain is also gearing up for the season. Some Cracker Barrel changes are pretty big and may surprise you!
We've rounded up the 5 significant updates to the restaurant moving forward so you'll know exactly what's new.
New menu items.
Warm-up on a cool fall day with Chicken Pot Pie that is available every single day, the restaurant recently announced. "The Chicken Pot Pie, which features slow-simmered chicken, potatoes, peas, carrots, celery and onions in a creamy sauce topped with a signature flaky pastry crust, is now available every day in-store as well as for curbside," they say about the new menu addition. Pair any other entrees with a Peach Tea, or if you're in for breakfast, a Pumpkin Pie Latte (iced or hot). Finish off with a slice of their new Carrot Cake for dessert!
But the extra choices aren't only for the adults — Cracker Barrel expanded their kid's menu, too. Mini Confetti Pancakes filled with fruity cereal, Lil' Barrel Cheeseburgers, and a Dirt Cup Dessert were all added. They've even created a new option for straws. The Milk n' Cookie Straw is delicious when paired with milk (and saves a plastic straw!).
To get breaking menu news delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter!
New alcoholic drinks.
Earlier this year news broke that Cracker Barrel is selling beer and wine. At the start, the alcohol was available at only 20 locations around Florida. Then it spread to Tennessee and Kentucky. But they recently announced that a majority of Cracker Barrel locations around the country will sell beer and wine by 2021. Mississippi and Virginia will be some of the first locations for the expansion.
That wasn't the only alcohol news they dropped — more boozy drinks are coming! Not many hints were given, but think a seasonal mimosa to enjoy with breakfast, brunch, or lunch, according to Restaurant Business.
Although you have more options now, here's why You'll Never Drink Alcohol at Restaurants the Same Way Again.
Grab-and-go stations.
The restaurant chain is also testing grab-and-go takeout stations at some locations because of the coronavirus pandemic. "Off-premise business" rose 145% starting in March because dining rooms were forced to close for safety.
In honor of the capacity limitations that still affect dining in, some Cracker Barrels will have shelves of online orders ready for pick up, says Restaurant Business. Customers can grab their items quickly and with limited interaction with others. For more on staying safe while dining out, This Is the Safest Restaurant Chain Right Now, New Survey Finds.
Front porch dining.
Other Cracker Barrel changes you'll see soon don't have to do with the menu. The chain is known for its large front porches and rocking chairs. It's using them a little differently now.
Over 350 locations have already set up tables and chairs outside on their porch for safe dining. The company hopes to add more since many customers could fall under the high-risk COVID-19 population like older adults. You may also notice tents in the parking lot for more outdoor seating, too, according to Restaurant Business.
Related: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Cracker Barrel
Items no longer on the menu.
Like other chains, Cracker Barrel operated with a limited menu for much of the pandemic. While they have put items (new and old) onto the menu again, some things will be missed. Cracker Barrel changes may not hurt fans as much as the news that the Baked Apple Dumplin' is no longer on the menu. Unfortunately, the dessert is gone for good.
There are a few more favorites that have suffered the same fate as the Cracker Barrel Basked Apple Dumplin'. Here are 7 Classic Desserts That Quietly Vanished from Restaurant Menus.
