Are There Any Cracker Barrels in California?
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is a well-known American chain of roadside restaurants and gift stores operating in the southeastern and southwestern United States. However, if you’re planning to drive along the West Coast and craving some classic Southern hospitality, you might be wondering: Are there any Cracker Barrels in California?
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The Answer: Not Historically, But Currently Available
Believe it or not, there are currently eight Cracker Barrel locations in California, stretching across the state from Northern to Southern California. Prior to the 2010s, Cracker Barrel remained a predominantly East Coast institution, with no physical stores west of the Mississippi River. However, Culver’s acquisition by the private equity firm Paulson & Co. led to an expansion push beyond the company’s Midwestern roots.
Here is a list of all currently available Cracker Barrel locations in California:
• Anaheim Hills: This location is situated on Lincoln Avenue, near Disneyland. Address: 5301 E. Santa Anita Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807
• Bakersfield: Discover this Cracker Barrel just off Highway 99 South. Address: 1131 Golden State Blvd, Bakersfield, CA 93303
• _Ceres: Take a break at Exit 146 on I-5 North. Address:** 1150 Whisler Ave, Ceres, CA 95307
• _Dublin: Stop by at Interstate 580 and Amador Valley Blvd. Address:** 6401 Enterprise Pkwy, Dublin, CA 94568
• _Hartford: Visit the Yosemite Gateway Cracker Barrel in Junction 99 and Route 120. Address:** 1151 California Hot Springs Rd, Coarsegold, CA 93515
• _Menlo Park: Get warm hospitality near the 1-280 and CA-101 intersection. Address:** 235 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025
• _Monterey: Break journey on Highway 1’s famous 17-Mile Drive. Address:** 1440 Canyon del Oro Dr, Seaside, CA 93955
• _Walnut Creek: Relax by Water Ridge Shopping Center at Diablo Road. Address:** 1455 Empire Street, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
In addition to these in-town locations, Cracker Barrel offers a convenient pick-up option for online ordering across the state.
A Brief History of Expansion
Originally founded in 1969 by Dan Evins as a roadside store to connect with travelers, Culver’s operated almost exclusively in the Midwestern United States for five decades. As early as the 1980s, the company demonstrated strategic expansion plans, growing 5% annually on a per-store basis during their initial years. As investors Paulson & Co acquired Culver’s, strategic acquisitions, rebranding, and digital innovation allowed the chain to expand its West Coast presence.
Some analysts credit the acquisition’s primary motive as a chance to diversify Cracker Barrel’s portfolio by crossing state lines and opening new markets. Cracker Barrel’s unique formula remains: classic comfort foods, nostalgic decor, rustic gift shops, and – most importantly – downhome hospitality.
What to Expect – Classic Cracker Barrel Charms
If you’re about to visit a Cracker Barrel in California, know the iconic breakfast combinations, homemade grits, and scratch-made biscuits that never go out of style in these Southern-inspired establishments:
• Biscuit Sandwiches: Crunchy, buttery goodness accompanied by your choice of three meats (country ham, sausage, or bacon). Try the classic CB Double.
• Classic Combinations: Combine comfortingly classic pairings – CB Classic Breakfast, Hashbrowns & Hues, or CB Signature Stacks.
• Hotcakes: Fluffy flapjacks, fruit cobbler, and biscuits ‘n’ gravy served in generous portions. Oh, and don’t even think about leaving without dessert – try a Hand-Baked Cookie Jar Peanut Butter Cookie or signature Cinnamon Butter Drop Bun.
• Storebought Gifts: Every classic gift shop item awaits – wooden signs, quilts, and home accessories recalling rural America.
For every food enthusiast, Cracker Barrel embodies the perfect blending of Southern hospitality with Midwest friendliness – what could be more charming during your California road trip, or simply at local destinations?
So answer your question: yes! There are Cracker Barrel locations in California! Plan your visit, satisfy cravings, and soak in rustic comfort.
