NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Cracker Barrel Invites Shoppers to Discover Value and Variety at Their Old Country Store

Custom Gift Baskets, Free Gift Wrapping and Great Selection Make This Family Restaurant and Store a Gift-Giving Destination for Spring's Special Occasions

Spring brings longer days. But numerous warm weather school sporting events and end-of-year activities, combined with the season's special occasions -- like Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day and graduations -- can still make it seem like there just aren't enough hours between breakfast and bedtime. For busy families looking for a way to stay on schedule and not miss a beat (or a gift) along the way, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® (NASDAQ: CBRL) offers a one-stop, family-friendly dining experience combined with a unique gift shopping destination.

"Our retail stores can help busy shoppers save time and money," says Kathy Hansen, Cracker Barrel vice president of retail operations. "Most of our stores are conveniently located along interstate highways, so shoppers can save gas by stopping to shop with us on their way to and from work or activities. And, we'll wrap their gift selections for free while they wait or dine in our restaurant and even ship the gifts at a really reasonable cost. We help busy families stretch their dollars and their family time, too."

Their customers know Cracker Barrel as a full-service restaurant serving classic, home-style favorites at a family-friendly price. But the retail store attached to each Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is also a handy shopping destination, featuring more than 2,700 gift items including a huge variety of "Great Gifts" under $20.00 and many things that may just turn into self-indulgences. And, true to the restaurant's country heritage, the gift selection features hard-to-find nostalgic favorites along with the latest in today's home decorating fashions.

"Custom baskets are one of our favorite gift ideas," said Hansen. "Whether it's for Easter, Mother's Day, a shower or another special occasion, our trained employees can help guests put together the perfect, unique combination of gifts, candies and more. We'll send them on their way with a beautifully wrapped basket full of personal gift choices. Shopping with us can help guests manage their time, budget, appetite and gift list in one, simple stop."

Cracker Barrel's gift variety and the unique aspect of many of its gift selections mean convenience and choice for area shoppers. Easter specialties include hard-to-find classic candies and snacks like NECCO® Wafers, Mary Jane® candies, and Cracker Jack® along with "old-time" kid-powered toys like Original Slinky®, Peg Game, or checkers. Cracker Barrel even has its own exclusive mix of Jelly Belly® Jelly Beans called County Fair. This proprietary mix features great flavors like Pink Lemonade, Buttered Popcorn and Caramel Apple.

For Mother's Day, Father's Day, showers, graduations, birthdays -- or any occasion -- Cracker Barrel offers a unique mix of kitchen favorites, picture frames, mugs, plates, plaques and more, including CDs from their exclusive music program. And, of course, the ultimate nostalgic gift, a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® rocking chair, is a gift that will last a lifetime.

"Families know us for our delicious home-cooked food and friendly service," said Hansen. "But once they browse through our old country store, we hope they'll add us to their list of favorite shopping destinations, too. Our old-fashioned values and love of America's country heritage are evident in both our dining room and our store."

For more information about Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, please visit http://www.crackerbarrel.com.

About Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store provides a friendly home-away-from-home in its old country stores and restaurants. Guests are cared for like family while relaxing and enjoying real home-style food and shopping that's surprisingly unique, genuinely fun and reminiscent of America's country heritage... all at a fair price. The restaurant serves up delicious, home-style country food such as meatloaf and homemade chicken n' dumplins as well as its signature biscuits using an old family recipe. The authentic old country retail store is fun to shop and offers unique gifts and self-indulgences.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBRL) was established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tenn. and operates 601 company-owned locations in 42 states. Every Cracker Barrel unit is open seven days a week with hours Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. - 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. For more information, visit www.crackerbarrel.com.