Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is facing renewed calls from customers to reinstate several discontinued menu items, with patrons expressing a strong attachment to the restaurant's Southern comfort food and nostalgic offerings. The chain, known for its comfort food, has seen social media and online discussions frequently highlighting items fans wish were still available.
Among the most frequently mentioned dishes is the Sunrise Sampler, a breakfast platter that previously included eggs, grits, fried apples, hash brown casserole, sausage, bacon, country ham, and biscuits with gravy. Josh Cooper, owner of Cooper’s Next Level BBQ in Tallahassee, Florida, noted that ordering these items individually now significantly increases the cost compared to the original sampler. "You used to get a little bit of everything without breaking the bank," Cooper told Fox News Digital. "Now, in order to get that same teaser touch from the Sunrise Sampler, you have to order it all à la carte, which costs around $25 for the same great meal."
Cooper suggested that while menu changes can be influenced by factors such as rising ingredient costs or operational challenges, restaurants should acknowledge the emotional connection customers have with popular, long-standing dishes. "People are asking for comfort and nostalgia," he said. "The reality is that nostalgia matters. And when you remove popular items without controlling the narrative or managing customers’ expectations, you are bound to have upset patrons."
Last summer, Cracker Barrel also experienced backlash related to efforts to modernize its image, which included a temporary logo redesign and restaurant renovations. Around the same time, the company announced that CEO Julie Masino would be stepping down.
Beyond breakfast items, other discontinued favorites are also missed. Rachel Love, a self-described Cracker Barrel enthusiast from Tennessee, specifically mentioned black-eyed peas and the baked apple dumpling as dishes she hopes will return. "I absolutely loved the black-eyed peas, and I’m so glad they’re getting some attention," Love stated. "They were one of my favorite sides and always felt like such a classic part of the Cracker Barrel experience." She described the baked apple dumpling as "the perfect comfort dessert" that fit the restaurant's atmosphere. Love emphasized that customers are not just seeking old menu items but the sense of comfort and nostalgia associated with them. "Sometimes bringing back one classic dish means more to loyal customers than introducing several new ones," she added.