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Cracker Barrel downsizes with tiny store promotion in NYCCracker Barrel downsizes with tiny store promotion in NYC

Brand also celebrates 50th anniversary with first Thanksgiving Day Parade float

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

November 26, 2019

2 Min Read
Cracker Barrel Tiny Store 2019
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. is celebrating its 50th anniversary by taking a tiny-sized store to the streets of New York before it launches its first sponsorship of a float in Thursday’s annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

"As we celebrate our golden anniversary, this is a big moment for Cracker Barrel, and we wanted to do something extra special to mark our first ever-appearance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade by creating a miniature Cracker Barrel experience that recalls the unique atmosphere of hospitality enjoyed by guests," said Jeff Sigel, Cracker Barrel’s vice president of marketing, in a statement.

The Lebanon, Tenn.-based family-dining company has no locations in New York City, so it’s taking its 269-foot “Tiny Home Away from Home” in Foley Square on Nov. 27.

The tiny store offers signature Cracker Barrel elements as the front porch with rocking chairs, a replica fireplace and a miniature retail store. The tiny store also features wood reclaimed from the first Cracker Barrel store, which opened on Sept. 19, 1969, in Lebanon.

Cracker Barrel’s sponsorship of the parade’s “Home Sweet Home” float will highlight country music artist Tenille Townes, who will perform “Somebody's Daughter.” Earlier this year, Cracker Barrel partnered with Townes and other female country artists to launch the "Five Decades, One Voice" program to celebrate, support and empower women in country music.

Related:Cracker Barrel sees growth potential in Punch Bowl

Thanksgiving is Cracker Barrel’s busiest day of the year. Since 2010, the company said it has served about 3.8 million pounds of turkey, 49.6 million ounces of turkey gravy and 3 million pounds of sweet potatoes.

The company and its affiliates operate 660 company-owned Cracker Barrel locations in 45 states and own the fast-casual Maple Street Biscuit Co. and Holler and Dash restaurants.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

Follow him on Twitter: @RonRuggless

 

About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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