Cracker Barrel, or Cracker Barrel Old Country Store as it is officially known, is a restaurant chain with more than 650 locations across the United States. However, it can claim that its food and history are authentic. With its restaurants (and sprawling gift shops) designed to resemble a Southern homestead, complete with a big porch, rocking chairs, and old and homespun cultural relics filling the walls of the customer seating areas, Cracker Barrel evokes big family homes that serve tremendously generous and gut-busting family meals. Founded in Tennessee, Cracker Barrel made its name with a menu full of foods developed or beloved nearby, including straight from the farm breakfasts, decadent desserts, and slow-cooked Sunday dinners.
But Cracker Barrel is a modern restaurant, and it has to compete with other family-friendly sit-down chain eateries. It routinely brings in new menu items at the expense of other products. Popular choices have frequently disappeared from the menu as Cracker Barrel attempts to keep up with changing tastes while keeping its Southern flavor and homespun appeal intact. Here are some of the most popular items in Cracker Barrel history that have since been discontinued by Cracker Barrel that likely wont be making a comeback.
A menu item so reliable and long-standing on the Cracker Barrel menu, the chain received a registered trademark for the name of its popular, customizable, and always available breakfast foods combo meal. Uncle Herschels Favorite provided a lot of morning food, served standard with two eggs, grits, and biscuits and gravy, along with the customers choice of fried apples or hash brown casserole, and cured ham or a hamburger steak. The breakfast meal is named after a real person who figured into the formation of Cracker Barrel.
Uncle Herschel was the paternal uncle of restaurant founder Dan Evins. He used to sell flour to Southern general stores and was the company’s first “goodwill ambassador.” The breakfast meal memorialized him, as does a statue at Cracker Barrels headquarters in Lebanon, Tennessee. At least the statue remains. Customers started reporting on social media in October 2022 that Uncle Herschels Favorite was no longer being offered at various Cracker Barrel locations.
The Sunrise Sampler included a little bit of many Cracker Barrel breakfast items, both signature products of the restaurant and morning stalwarts, and that was a lot of stuff altogether. Customers started out with two eggs prepared in the fashion they prefer, as well as generously portioned side orders of grits, fried apples, hash brown casserole, and biscuits and gravy. The Sunrise Sampler had thick bacon, smoked sausage, and country-style ham, so there was no need to pick a breakfast meat.
A staple on the menu for many years, diners noticed that the Sunrise Sampler was no longer up for purchase at different locations throughout 2022 and 2023. Cracker Barrel made no announcement regarding the hows and whys of the combo platters discontinuation. The most likely explanation is that it was a casualty of an ongoing menu reboot operation undertaken by Cracker Barrel in the early 2020s.
A new seafood entree made its way to the Cracker Barrel menu in 2015: the Haddock Dinner. The heaping platter of food was centered around a large filet of haddock, a delicate and mild white fish, breaded in cornmeal and flour that was then grilled rather than fried. Served with the usual Cracker Barrel accompaniments of three vegetable side dishes and a plate of biscuits and muffins, the Haddock Dinner was a relative bargain at just $9.99.
Sometime in 2019, Cracker Barrel abruptly pulled the Haddock Dinner off its menu, as indicated by reports from customers on TripAdvisor. Various permutations of more homestyle-skewing seafood like trout, fried shrimp, and catfish remain available, but Cracker Barrel never did restore the Haddock Dinner. The elimination of the dish in late 2019 looked like a warm-up for a more rigorous menu overhaul in 2020. “We delete menu items from time to time to make room for new signature, craveable menu items that our guests love,” Cracker Barrels vice president of Culinary and Menu Strategy Cammie Spillyards-Schaefer explained to Nations Restaurant News.
The simple chicken salad can be turned into a gourmet offering, and Cracker Barrel certainly gave that a try. In between the day parts when it sells multi-tiered breakfasts and big Southern dinners, Cracker Barrel rolls out a lunch menu. Historically, it has included several options for a light meal in the Southern tradition, including the luncheon favorite of chicken salad. A choice on the Country Sandwich Platter section, the concoction (heavy on the mayonnaise, grapes, and apples), was heaped onto the customers bread choice of seared white or wheat sourdough and came with some creamy coleslaw as well as a small serving of soup or french fries. In 2014, Cracker Barrel allowed diners to sub out the bread for lettuce wraps to make a sandwich-like meal that was much lower in carbohydrates.
Cracker Barrels chicken salad, in all of its forms, apparently exited the restaurants lunchtime menu sometime around 2018. “Cracker Barrel doesnt have chicken salad sandwiches anymore,” one customer reported on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Its 2019 and Im still upset about this,” another fan wrote a year later.
If Cracker Barrel was going to proclaim itself the top spot for old-fashioned Southern food available across almost the entire country, except for the only U.S. states where you wont find one, red-eye gravy was going to be a must-have menu item and always-ready condiment. According to legend, Southern-born President Andrew Jackson asked his hungover cook to make some country ham with gravy that was red like the kitchen workers eyes. It more likely it gets its name from the eye-like ry that forms when its chief ingredients come into contact. When a pan used to fry ham is deglazed with black coffee, the liquids coalesce into the shape of an eye while also turning into a salty, velvety gravy (that gets thickened and bolstered with the addition of flour).
Cracker Barrel serves a lot of ham and other breakfast meats, and until 2017, customers could order those items and more with a side of red-eye gravy. The chain serves Sawmill Gravy, a peppery pork fat-based sauce thats also authentically Southern and used on biscuits and gravy, but the red-eye version hasnt found its way back to Cracker Barrel.
If you’ve been a longtime fan of Cracker Barrel’s comforting southern cuisine, you might have noticed the disappearance of a beloved menu item. Their Chicken n’ Rice dish, once a staple comfort food offering, has vanished from menus nationwide, leaving many customers wondering what happened As a frequent Cracker Barrel diner myself, I was equally surprised when I couldn’t find this dish during my last visit Let’s dig into the reasons behind this menu change and what it means for Cracker Barrel fans.
The Disappearance of Chicken n’ Rice: What Actually Happened?
Cracker Barrel removed their popular Chicken n’ Rice dish from menus primarily due to a combination of business factors rather than a single reason. The change wasn’t announced with any fanfare – instead, customers began noticing its absence starting in late 2022 and early 2023, with the removal being part of a gradual process across different locations.
In their official explanation, Cracker Barrel says that “menu optimization” is the main reason. But what does that mean? Let’s break it down.
Menu Streamlining for Operational Efficiency
Cracker Barrel wanted to make kitchen work easier, which was a big reason why they got rid of Chicken n’ Rice. Menu items that require:
- Unique ingredients
- Specific preparation processes
- Additional inventory management
These items can create bottlenecks in the kitchen and increase operational complexity. By reducing the number of menu items, Cracker Barrel aims to:
- Improve kitchen efficiency
- Reduce food waste
- Ensure more consistent dining experiences
- Focus resources on their most popular dishes
Shifting Customer Preferences
While Chicken n’ Rice had its dedicated fan base (myself included!), data suggested it wasn’t performing as well as other core menu items such as:
- Fried chicken
- Biscuits
- Country ham
Restaurant chains like Cracker Barrel constantly analyze sales data and customer feedback to identify trends. The decision to remove Chicken n’ Rice likely reflected a shift in demand towards other comfort food offerings that were selling better.
Supply Chain and Cost Considerations
The modern restaurant industry faces significant challenges with:
- Supply chain disruptions
- Fluctuating food costs
- Ingredient availability issues
The specific ingredients needed for Chicken n’ Rice, especially the rice blend and chicken preparation, may not have been available all the time or at the right price. These things made it harder and more expensive to keep the dish’s quality and make money.
Part of a Larger Menu Transformation
The removal of Chicken n’ Rice isn’t an isolated incident. Cracker Barrel has been undergoing a menu transformation in recent years, with several beloved items disappearing from their offerings. This is part of a broader strategy to optimize operations while still maintaining their southern comfort food identity.
Other popular discontinued items include:
- Uncle Herschel’s Favorite – A customizable breakfast combo that disappeared around October 2022
- Sunrise Sampler – A breakfast platter featuring multiple meats and sides
- Haddock Dinner – A cornmeal-breaded fish dish eliminated in 2019
- Chicken Salad Sandwich – A lunch menu staple that disappeared around 2018
- Red-Eye Gravy – A traditional southern gravy removed in 2017
- Fried Chicken Livers – Discontinued in early 2021
- Lima Beans – Removed as a side option around 2020
- Beef Stew – Eliminated around fall 2013
According to Cammie Spillyards-Schaefer, Cracker Barrel’s vice president of Culinary and Menu Strategy, “We delete menu items from time to time to make room for new signature, craveable menu items that our guests love.” This ongoing menu evolution reflects the restaurant’s attempt to balance tradition with modern dining preferences.
When Exactly Did the Chicken n’ Rice Disappear?
There wasn’t a single nationwide announcement about the removal of Chicken n’ Rice. Instead, it was a gradual process with many customers noticing its absence from menus starting in late 2022 and early 2023. Some locations may have phased it out earlier than others as part of Cracker Barrel’s menu optimization strategy.
Large restaurant chains often change their menus slowly, this way they can see how customers react and make changes over time instead of making big changes all at once.
Will Chicken n’ Rice Ever Return to Cracker Barrel?
While there are no confirmed plans to bring back Chicken n’ Rice, Cracker Barrel is known for listening to customer feedback. If there’s enough demand, it’s possible that a similar dish could reappear in the future, perhaps as a limited-time offering or with slight variations to address the operational and cost concerns that led to its removal.
As one Cracker Barrel representative noted regarding discontinued items, “Never say never!” The restaurant chain has been known to respond to customer preferences, so vocal fans might still have a chance to influence future menu decisions.
Current Comfort Food Alternatives at Cracker Barrel
If you’re missing Chicken n’ Rice, Cracker Barrel still offers numerous comfort food options that might satisfy similar cravings:
- Country Fried Steak
- Chicken Fried Chicken
- Sunday Homestyle Chicken
- Various chicken dishes with sides
You can also create your own combination with chicken and rice-based sides, though it won’t be the exact same experience as the original Chicken n’ Rice dish.
How Customers Feel About the Change
The removal of Chicken n’ Rice has generated mixed reactions from Cracker Barrel’s customer base. Many loyal patrons have expressed disappointment on social media and review sites, with some even contacting the company directly to request its return.
One customer shared: “I’ve been going to Cracker Barrel for over 20 years and their Chicken n’ Rice was always my go-to comfort food. Really sad to see it gone from the menu.”
Another noted: “First they took away the chicken salad sandwich, now the chicken and rice. They’re removing all my favorites!”
However, some customers have embraced the change and discovered new favorites among Cracker Barrel’s remaining offerings or recent additions.
How Cracker Barrel Decides What Gets Cut
Cracker Barrel relies on several factors when determining which menu items to discontinue:
- Sales data – Items that don’t sell well compared to others
- Customer feedback – Direct input from diners
- Operational efficiency – How complex an item is to prepare
- Food costs – Ingredients that have become too expensive
- Supply chain considerations – Availability of necessary components
The goal is to optimize the menu for both profitability and customer satisfaction, which sometimes means making difficult decisions about longtime offerings.
Making Your Own Chicken n’ Rice at Home
For those deeply missing Cracker Barrel’s Chicken n’ Rice, recreating the dish at home is always an option. While the exact recipe isn’t published, many online recipes aim to replicate the flavor and texture of the original.
A basic homemade version typically includes:
- Bone-in chicken pieces
- Long-grain white rice
- Chicken broth
- Butter
- Simple seasonings (salt, pepper, herbs)
- Slow cooking to achieve that tender, comforting texture
Experimenting with your own version might help fill the void left by this discontinued menu item!
Final Thoughts: The Evolving Cracker Barrel Menu
The removal of Chicken n’ Rice reflects the reality of the modern restaurant industry, where menus must constantly evolve to meet changing customer preferences, address operational challenges, and maintain profitability. While it’s disappointing to see favorite items disappear, it’s also part of how restaurant chains stay relevant and viable over time.
Cracker Barrel’s commitment to providing quality comfort food remains, even as specific menu items come and go. The abundance of other Southern classics and the potential for future culinary innovations offers plenty of reasons to keep visiting, even without the beloved Chicken n’ Rice on the menu.
What do you think about Cracker Barrel’s decision? Have you found a good substitute for their Chicken n’ Rice, either at the restaurant or in your own kitchen? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Strawberries n’ Cream French Toast
In 2015, Cracker Barrel launched a special summer-centric menu, with the star of the bill of fare its Strawberries n Cream French Toast. French toast is a breakfast classic, but its also well suited for variation, adaptation, and addition. This dish was made with sourdough bread pockets packed with sweetened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and strawberry-flavored syrup, and then abundantly covered in sliced, seasonal strawberries. The Strawberries n Cream French Toast was available a la carte or as part of a breakfast platter with the customers choice of bacon, sausage, turkey sausage, or turkey bacon.
But like the summer season the Strawberries n Cream French Toast aimed to embrace and celebrate, this breakfast item couldnt last forever. From the outset, it was designed and marketed as a strictly seasonal item. As of mid-August 2015, Cracker Barrel no longer served Strawberries n Cream French Toast — nor anything else from its limited-time-only summer menu — at any of its restaurants. Strawberries n Cream French Toast also never returned for any subsequent summer.
Cracker Barrel Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe!Make it right at home! #cooking #satisfying
FAQ
Why did Cracker Barrel remove certain menu items?
The decision to remove certain menu items at Cracker Barrel signifies a strategic move by the company to evolve and adapt to shifting consumer preferences, dietary trends, and operational efficiencies.
Why did Cracker Barrel change menu items in 2021?
In early 2021, Cracker Barrel took off the menu items like Coca-Cola drinks and some popular breakfast dishes because of problems with the supply chain and the need to streamline operations during the pandemic. The temporary menu changes were made to focus on providing quality service and ensuring efficiency in serving customers with available ingredients.
Does Cracker Barrel have chicken salad?
Cracker Barrel’s Chicken Salad Sandwich was a highly coveted menu item. Before it was removed, customers could choose chicken salad as part of the chain’s Country Sandwich Platters. It would be served on white or wheat sourdough bread, with a side of creamy coleslaw and either a cup of soup or steak fries.
Why did Cracker Barrel remove some of the most popular entrees?
Despite the outcry from fans across the country, Cracker Barrel made the choice to remove some truly beloved entrees. Restaurants often switch up their menus based on product availability, supply issues, and customer demand. Good thing Cracker Barrel is always making new meals. Your next favorite could be just around the corner.
Does Cracker Barrel have fried chicken?
In true Southern style, Cracker Barrel’s menu has a lot of fried meats, which is not a secret. Among them was the beloved Fried Chicken Liver, which was sneakily removed from the menu.
Why did Cracker Barrel remove fried chicken liver?
While the restaurant never officially addressed the reason for removing the Fried Chicken Liver from the menu, one possibility is the occasional reports of illness outbreaks linked to chicken liver in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture — though none were specifically tied to Cracker Barrel.
Does Cracker Barrel have chicken and rice?
Baked chicken breast smothered with creamy mushroom sauce over seasoned buttery rice. Served up with your choice of two Country Sides and Buttermilk Biscuits or Corn Muffins.
What did Cracker Barrel remove from the menu?
- Fried Chicken Livers.
- Strawberries N’ Cream French Toast.
- Chicken Salad Sandwich.
- Baked Apple Dumpling.
- Red-Eye Gravy.
- Chicken Caesar Salad.
- Sweet Potato Pancakes.
- Sugar Plum Mimosa.
Why are they changing the Cracker Barrel?
The chain is remodeling restaurants and adding new food options in an attempt to raise sales and broaden its range of diners. What’s This? Cracker Barrel is undergoing a three-year transformation to appeal to more diners by refreshing its restaurants and updating its menu.
Did Cracker Barrel stop selling chicken livers?
In the post, a commenter asked what happened to the chicken liver dinner. Cracker Barrel responded, saying, “We appreciate your feedback. Although Chicken Livers are no longer on our menu, we will gladly share your request with our Culinary Team.”