Fans of Cracker Barrel Just Got Some Really Bad News

(KMDL-FM) If you're a fan of the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store's Hash Brown Casserole, I have got some awful news. They are removing it from…no, that wouldn't be awful news; that would be catastrophic. And don't you worry, that casserole is safe and still on the menu at Cracker Barrel; it's what might be next on the menu that you could have an issue with, though.

Cracker Barrel has not had the easiest of journeys over the past year or so. There was the whole logo flak, and it seems like there were a few other Cracker Barrel bumps in the road, but this may be the hardest bump that Cracker Barrel or any restaurant chain will ever have to overcome.

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Currently, only 28% of diners feel as though they get their money's worth when they dine out for a meal. The "value-gap" between what was paid and what was served seems to be substantial, and that is a major concern for restaurants like Cracker Barrel, which cater to a budget-conscious clientele.

Based on a survey of the top 20 restaurant chains in the country where cost versus value was scrutinized, Cracker Barrel came out in the top 10. It was included alongside other chains such as Texas Roadhouse and Olive Garden, as well as Applebee's and Dairy Queen.

Those figures could be changing as we head into 2027, since CEO Dave Deno of Cracker Barrel informed investors during the chain's fourth-quarter fiscal year 2026 earnings call that some major price jumps are coming in the future.

Based on information revealed during the call, customers can expect price increases of at least 3% or more in 2027. Cracker Barrel leaders were quick to say the price increases would not be all or nothing. There would be strategic increases on certain items, and the brand plans to still cater to the value-conscious diner by offering great meals at budget prices.

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Based on current figures, the average spend per guest at Cracker Barrel is $16. A 3% increase would raise your bill by about .50 cents, it's .48 if you do the math, but .50 is a lot easier to add up. So, for a family of four, you can expect to pay about $2 more for your meal.  Now, if we could just afford the gas to drive to go eat.