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Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
Public
Traded as NASDAQCBRL
S&P 400 Component
Industry Restaurants
Founded September 19, 1969; 47 years ago (1969-09-19)
Founder Dan Evins
Headquarters Lebanon, Tennessee, United States
Number of locations
639
Area served
United States
Key people
Michael A. Woodhouse (Director & Executive Chairman)
Sandra B. Cochran (President & CEO)
Revenue IncreaseUS$ $2.580 billion (2012)
Increase US $190.98 million (2012)
Increase US $103.08 million (2012)
Total assets Increase US $340.96 million (2012)
Total equity Increase US $305.88 million (2012)
Number of employees
70,000
Website www.crackerbarrel.com

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. is an American chain of combined restaurant and gift stores with a Southern country theme. The company was founded by Dan Evins in 1969; its first store was in Lebanon, Tennessee, which remains the company headquarters. The chain's stores were at first positioned near Interstate highway exits in the Southeastern and Midwestern US, but it has expanded across the country during the 1990s and 2000s. As of September 18, 2012, the chain operates 639 stores in 43 states.

Cracker Barrel's menu is based on traditional Southern cuisine, with appearance and decor designed to resemble an old-fashioned general store. Each restaurant features a front porch lined with wooden rocking chairs, a stone fireplace, and decorative artifacts from the local area. Cracker Barrel is known for its partnerships with country music performers. It has received attention for its charitable activities, such as its assistance of victims of Hurricane Katrina and injured war veterans. Employees there wear a choice of either white, yellow, blue or pink shirts.

During the 1990s, the company was the subject of controversy for its official stance against gay and lesbian employees and for discriminatory practices against African-American and female employees. A U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) investigation found that Cracker Barrel discriminated against minority customers; patrons complained of racially segregated seating and service quality. In an agreement with the USDOJ, Cracker Barrel has implemented non-discrimination policies and pledged to focus on improving minority representation and civic involvement, particularly in the black community. Company shareholders added sexual orientation to the company's non-discrimination policy in 2002.


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