If you’re looking for steady work in a company that values consistency, tradition, and a strong sense of community, there’s a good chance you’ll come across something that fits within Cracker Barrel Jobs. Whether you’re familiar with the brand from family road trips or you’ve just driven past one recently, most people associate the brand with a warm, familiar experience. That same feeling carries over into how the business is run. But before diving into applications or checking out specific locations, it’s helpful to get a clear picture of what the restaurant offers across the board.
That’s exactly what this guide is here for. We’re going to walk through everything you need to know, from the different types of jobs available to what the work environment feels like, how the application process goes, and even what kind of pay and benefits you can expect. You’ll also get insight into what the company looks for in candidates, how the day-to-day might play out depending on your role, and what to expect from training and growth opportunities. If you’ve been searching for terms like “Cracker Barrel application” or “jobs near me,” this is the resource that brings all the important info together in one place.
For More Food & Beverage Companies Jobs: Click Here
Cracker Barrel Jobs | Guest Services & Front-of-House Positions
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. – Overview of the Company
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has deep roots that trace back to 1969, when its very first location opened in Lebanon, Tennessee. The idea behind the restaurant was simple. Create a place where travelers could find a good meal and a welcoming environment, all in one stop. Designed to feel like an old-fashioned country store, the first outlet served hearty Southern-style food and sold goods that reminded people of simpler times. That original concept became a hit, and over the decades, the brand slowly expanded across the country while sticking to its core values of comfort, tradition, and hospitality.
Today, Cracker Barrel is known as much for its retail section as for its home-style cooking. Every location features a country store filled with classic candies, nostalgic toys, seasonal decor, and home essentials. The rocking chairs on the porch, the checkers on the barrels, and the old-timey decor inside all work together to create a distinct and familiar atmosphere. It has built its identity on preserving that traditional experience, no matter how much the world changes outside. While other restaurants chase trends, the brand holds firmly to what made it beloved in the first place. It continues to serve feel-good food in a space that feels like home to generations of guests.
Types of Jobs
Cracker Barrel offers a wide range of job opportunities across its restaurant, retail, and corporate teams. Regardless of how you get started, the company has options that suit first-time workers and experienced professionals alike.
- Server
As a server, your job is about keeping guests happy from the moment they sit down until the moment they leave. You’ll take orders, deliver food, refill drinks, and make sure everyone has a positive experience. - Dishwasher
Dishwashers are essential in keeping the kitchen clean and the dishes flowing. You’ll be responsible for cleaning plates, silverware, pans, and more. - Retail Sales Associate
Each of the locations has a retail store area, and sales associates are the ones helping customers find gifts, snacks, and seasonal items. - Merchandise Stocker
Stockers help restock shelves, arrange displays, and keep the store looking sharp. They often arrive before opening to prepare the store or work during slower hours to restock products. - Cashier
Retail cashiers handle purchases at the register and answer questions about the products in the store. This role requires good communication skills and a positive attitude. - Shift Leader
Shift leaders help oversee daily operations during their scheduled hours. They support team members, handle minor customer issues, and keep things running smoothly when a manager isn’t present. - Assistant Manager
Assistant managers work closely with general managers to oversee restaurant and retail operations. They help manage staffing, handle customer service issues, and support sales goals.
Benefits and Salary
Salaries and perks offered by Cracker Barrel Careers are generally based on role, experience, and location. Most entry-level team members earn between $13 and $17 per hour, while tipped roles like server positions can bring in more during busy shifts. Leadership roles such as assistant managers typically earn $45,000 to $55,000, and general managers can see salaries from $60,000 to $80,000, depending on store performance and region. In terms of benefits, eligible employees may receive:
- Health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision
- 401(k) retirement savings with a company match
- Paid time off for vacation and sick leave
- Discounts on food and retail items
- Life insurance and short-term disability coverage
- Career development and training programs
Eligibility Criteria
Getting started with Cracker Barrel jobs is possible even if you’re still in high school. Most entry-level roles are open to applicants who are 16 years or older, especially positions like host, retail associate, or busser. See the criteria here.
- You’ll need to be able to legally work in the United States. That means having U.S. citizenship, Permanent resident status (Green Card), or a valid work permit or an employment authorization.
- The company does not typically provide visa sponsorships for restaurant or store-level jobs, so it’s important to already have your documentation in place before applying.
- There’s no long list of degrees required to land a job here. A high school diploma or GED is preferred, but not always necessary, whereas corporate roles may ask for a college degree or job-specific experience.
- If you’re applying for something like a finance or marketing role in a corporate office, a formal education will likely be part of the qualifications. But for many in-store roles, your personality matters more than your diploma.
- Previous experience is nice, but it’s not a deal-breaker. It often hires people with little or no background in restaurant or retail work and provides on-the-job training.
- You don’t have to be available all the time, but if your schedule is flexible, it’ll definitely help you get hired faster and pick up more hours.
Application Process for Cracker Barrel Jobs
If you’re ready to apply for Cracker Barrel Jobs, the good news is that the process is fairly simple. Here’s how the procedure works from start to finish.
- The first step is to head over to the official careers page and start browsing available jobs. You can search by location, department, or keyword.
- Before applying, you’ll need to register for an account through their system. This gives you access to application tracking and allows you to apply for more than one role if needed.
- After selecting a job, click “Apply” and you’ll be directed to the form. There, upload your resume in Word or PDF format and provide contact details, work availability, and your employment history.
- After that, answer any role-specific questions, such as shift preferences or work eligibility. Also, optional sections like references or additional comments can help you stand out.
- Take your time, read everything carefully, and double-check your answers before submitting.
- Once submitted, you’ll likely get a confirmation email. From there, it’s a matter of waiting to hear back.
- If you’re invited to interview, take a little time to get ready. These interviews are usually low-pressure, especially for entry-level roles, but preparation still helps.
Please Note: You can also find listings on Indeed or LinkedIn, especially for new postings.
Summary
If you’re looking for a job that offers structure, stability, and a team-focused environment, Cracker Barrel might be a great fit. From the kitchen and retail store to the corporate offices, there are roles that suit all kinds of strengths and experience levels. Whether you’re applying for the first time or looking to grow your career, this guide has covered everything you need to know, from types of jobs to pay, expectations, and how to apply. All that’s left now is to find a role that fits and take the first step.