Cracker Barrel Adds Booze to the Menu for the First Time in Its History

Cracker Barrel has been serving roadside comfort food since 1969, and now the chain is preparing to roll out one of the biggest changes in its history. As Food & Wine reports, Cracker Barrel is experimenting with selling alcohol in its restaurants for the first time.

With a menu inspired by southern home-cooking, Cracker Barrel attracts many tourists traveling on interstate highways. Its dry menu has long been a part of its family-friendly image, but that's no longer the case at many locations. The chain recently launched a new drink menu with beer, wine, hard cider, and orange and strawberry mimosas at about 20 of its Florida stores. The mimosas have proven to be an especially big hit with customers.

In light of the test menu's success, Cracker Barrel has decided to expand the boozy offerings to Kentucky, Tennessee, and additional stores in Florida. The timeline for the expansion depends on how quickly the company can acquire local licenses and train employees.

Serving alcohol isn't just a way for Cracker Barrel to please its adult clientele—it could be a business-saving move. Like many restaurants, the chain suffered financial losses during the COVID-19 pandemic when it had to limit service. Even if you aren't planning to order drinks at Cracker Barrel, the extra revenue brought in by their strawberry mimosas could help fund your mac and cheese.