Cracker Barrel plans menu price increases of at least 3% in 2027 to offset inflation. CEO Dave Deno said hikes need to be strategic, not universal; the chain cited its daily $7.99 Sunrise Pancake Special and weekday early dining from $8.99 as affordable options.
Deno said food quality is the chain’s first priority and identified dinner as its biggest opportunity. Cracker Barrel plans to upgrade its chicken, hamburger and steak offerings, aiming for food to meet guests’ expectations for taste, temperature and quality on every visit.
CFO Craig Pommells put Cracker Barrel’s average check in the $16 range, versus $27 for casual dining generally. In 2025, the chain told the Wall Street Journal it was changing cooking processes for items such as green beans and bacon to make them fresher at the table. It has also added lighter fare such as grilled shrimp and brought back 1990s campfire meals.
