Cracker Barrel Set to Open July 11

The Cracker Barrel in Southern Pines is nearing completion. Photo by Glenn M. Sides

As of Tuesday, June 7, 2011

The billboard on southbound U.S. 1 at Youngs Road says it all — Cracker Barrel is opening its newest restaurant on U.S. 15-501 in Southern Pines on July 11.

“That date is correct,” says Jeanne Ludington, a spokeswoman at the company’s headquarters in Lebanon, Tenn.

Cracker Barrel is hosting a grand opening Monday, July 11, that will follow a “friends and family” training session the previous weekend.

Under a growth strategy that focuses in part on off-Interstate locations, the new restaurant will employ between 100 and 120 workers once it becomes operational.

Ray Ogden, executive director of Moore County Partners in Progress, and Gene Norton, manager of the Aberdeen office of the N.C. Employment Security Commission, have both hailed the new jobs, especially amid an economic recovery that has been slow to reach fruition.

Construction began last January after Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores Inc. paid $1.25 million for the 1.62-acre former John’s Barbecue and Seafood Restaurant site, and $400,000 for .48 acres of the adjacent 3.05-acre lot owned by the State Employees Credit Union.

The restaurant will be a new company prototype, offering more day lighting and skylights around the restaurant so employees do not feel stuck in the dark while working shifts in the restaurant’s dimly lit cozy, cabin atmosphere.

It will also be smaller. A typical Cracker Barrel has 7,900 square feet of dining space and 2,100 square feet of retail space, while the Southern Pines location will have 5,770 and 3,190, respectively.

The company’s off-Interstate growth strategy is evidenced by the nearest Cracker Barrel, which opened in September 2009 at the intersection of N.C. 87 and U.S. 401 in Sanford.

Although the company is not fully saturated on Interstate highways, its off-Interstate locations help ensure future expansion.

A typical restaurant serves 6,900 guests per week and has annual sales of $4.06 million.

Every Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

More like this story

pineynewcago 1 year, 11 months ago

Can't wait!!!

sunnysideup 1 year, 11 months ago

Can't wait. I have always visited the one located in Lumberton. Just a little too far from Hamlet, N.C. So great to hear they are now just in the next county!!! These restaurants have the best of everything!! Affordable, great service, great food, gift shop, and wholesome environment make for a fantastic dining out experience. I pray for the success of this particular store and the entire staff that helps it to become just that!! The surrounding counties will help them quite a bit also!!

MichaelFlorence 1 year, 11 months ago

Thank you for coming to Moore County and cannot wait until you open. I also would like to Thank you for spending an extra $400,000.00 dollars to buy an ugly open ditch, and spend even more money making it look a thousand times better. That is an example of being a good Corporate neighbor to your new home. Best of luck

dc3skyliner 1 year, 11 months ago

We love the Cracker Barrel. It's our favorite eatery when we're traveling on the interstate. Been watching it go up and can't wait for the opening. Welcome Cracker Barrel!

TooHot 1 year, 11 months ago

Good soups and salads but I'm real tired of the chicken and dumplings they push.

Good to see John's family get $1.25 million for that site. They earned it.

pantherfan 1 year, 11 months ago

Try the chicken fried chicken with turnip greens, okra, and maybe throw in some hashbrown casserole.

RD28327 1 year, 11 months ago

Mmmmmmm mmmmmmmm good!!!

mooremedic 1 year, 11 months ago

Now why in the world does our Cracker Barrel get less restaurant square footage and much more retail square footage than the "normal" store?.....

Bflat 1 year, 11 months ago

I will wait until the rush of the new restaurant settles down....just don't like the crowds or waiting in line.

Lookeron 1 year, 11 months ago

I am so excited about this opening. I absolutely love their breakfast as well as their okra and other veggies! Can't wait to go there although I will probably wait for a month or so before I visit just to let the crowds subside. Three words come to mind: HMM, HMM, GOOD!!

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