I get after TY for indulging in nostalgia, but I was hit with a wave of it myself when the changes coming for Cracker Barrel were announced. I haven't been to one in at least 8 years, and before then only visited once or twice a year, usually when traveling. They were always located near an interchange, had safe parking lots, books on tape/CD's to rent, fresh crisp salads, a diverse menu, and wonderful ice tea. I found them to be welcoming to singles and set up for families, with warm glowing lights from candles in the windows and on the tables, and a real fire burning in their huge fireplace. I can still recall the smell of wood smoke in the air outdoors with mixed scents of candy, potpourris and food happening inside. Even though it wasn't my patronage that kept them going, I appreciated their availability and dependability for a certain kind of experience.
When I'd drive east to attend conferences in Ohio, or south on my trips to the Smokey Mountains, Cracker Barrel would be one of the places I'd go to for dinner at night, knowing what to expect, along with feeling welcomed and safe. Although I seldom travel like that anymore, I'm grateful to have been able to partake of what they offered back in the day. Maybe they couldn't keep things the way they were and remain solvent. At this point, however, I don't see their current rebranding efforts bringing them what they're looking for; but I wish them well.
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