Cracker Barrel chooses Alabama as perfect location to debut new restaurant concept, create jobs

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Everyone’s favorite Old Country Store has chosen Homewood, Alabama to debut a brand new restaurant concept.

Holler & Dash Biscuit House, a new fast-casual concept from Cracker Barrel will open in Homewood this March. The restaurant will be located at 2801 18th Street South in Homewood, and Cracker Barrel plans to hire 50 people for the staff. Homewood was chosen as the inaugural location for Holler & Dash because its community feel and growing food culture, according to Mike Chissler, chief operation officer. Holler & Dash also wants to be known as a good corporate neighbor, which is why this downtown location was important.

The restaurant will be open from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, serving breakfast and lunch only, and will feature hot and cold-brewed coffees, Nitro cold coffee, unique craft sodas and a menu predominantly inspired by biscuits. “There’s a lot you can do with a biscuit,” Chef Brandon Frohne said.

Homewood may be Holler & Dash’s first location, but a Tuscaloosa site is already being planned, with the hope that they will grow quickly to other cities as well.

The majority of Cracker Barrels now are located near interstate exits so they can attract a wide range of customers and travelers. The new Holler & Dash restaurants will be located in more urban areas. The new chain will continue Cracker Barrel’s commitment to “authentic Southern hospitality” and “real home-style food,” but with a twist. In a statement to The Tennessean, Cracker Barrel said that Holler & Dash would bring “flare to Southern fare.”

One of the central focuses of Holler & Dash is the kitchen, which is visible from the front counter and does not have a walk-in freezer. The restaurant will prepare their food from fresh ingredients that will be delivered daily.

Fast casual-style restaurants like Holler & Dash fall in between fast food and casual dining and usually do not offer full-table service. Other popular fast-casual chains include Chipotle and Panera Bread.

Janella Escobar, spokeswoman for Cracker Barrel, said, “We expect our fast casual concept to leverage the strength of our brand while providing a different type of guest experience.”

Founded in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee, Cracker Barrel now operates more than 630 company-owned locations in 42 states.