On Cracker Barrel’s 55th birthday, they’re willing to make your day extra special (and sweet) with free treats!
It’s been 55 years since Cracker Barrel opened its doors for diners to experience the magic of homestyle country cooking. The restaurant has always aimed to please every guest and offer warm hospitality. In fact, even on Cracker Barrel’s milestone birthday, you’re going to feel so loved. Enjoy the free cake slices and bottomless drinks on this special day!

Cracker Barrel announced that it’s going to celebrate its 55th birthday by offering free slices of its famous item: Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake. These will be accompanied by free beverages from the restaurant’s original menu back in 1969. The free bottomless drinks include the Premium Blend coffee and iced tea, both of which are a great pair for the decadent cake slice. All these special treats are available starting today until September 22. 2024. Guests eligible for this promo include those who are new and existing members of Cracker Barrel Rewards, and those who have met the minimum dine-in purchase.

For this year’s celebration, Cracker Barrel is all about honoring their heritage and traditions. According to Cracker Barrel’s Chief Marketing Officer, Sarah Moore, the brand wants to show deep appreciation to those who have made Cracker Barrel the iconic restaurant that it is now. The brand wouldn’t be here without the support of hardworking employees and loyal guests they have served in the last 55 years.
Get more updates on Cracker Barrel’s yearlong birthday celebration by visiting their website, signing up for Cracker Barrel Rewards, or checking their social media accounts. For latest food news about the brand, you may browse through our recent and future news article about Cracker Barrel.
The Story Behind Cracker Barrel’s Free Birthday Treats
Cracker Barrel didn’t just choose any treat to give out for its milestone birthday. True to its promise, the brand honors its timeless traditions, which is why it’s offering special items steeped in history. Let’s look at the role of an indulgent cake and simple drinks in Cracker Barrel’s journey toward bring quintessential country-style chain.
Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake
This cake made its first appearance in 1997, and it started out as a special menu item. The fun fact? It’s not supposed to have the “double chocolate” feature. During the testing period, the cocoa powder for the cake was accidentally doubled, which resulted in the rich version that guests love today. This chocolatey version of the cake returned to Cracker Barrel’s menu during the brand’s 40th anniversary, but for a limited-time only. The demand for this dessert was unexpectedly high after that release, earning it a spot on the menu as a permanent item.
Since then, Cracker Barrel has been serving more than 1.2 million cake slices annually. The Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake speaks for itself: it’s a Southern staple dessert and a chocolate lover’s dream!
Premium Blend Coffee and Iced Tea
Cracker Barrel has a simple philosophy: authentic human connection and good conversations happen around the table, or as the brand likes to put it, on a repurposed saltine crackers barrel. And who wouldn’t agree? Conversations are better when shared over a cup of coffee or a glass of iced tea. Cracker Barrel data also proves this, as they serve more than 40 million cups of these beverages every year.
With this philosophy in mind, among Cracker Barrel’s birthday gifts is free coffee made with 100% Arabica beans. It’s everything you love about a morning drink: rich and smooth. Cracker Barrel Rewards Members can also have the freshly brewed iced tea with a wedge of lemon as garnish.
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What’s the Buzz Around Cracker Barrel Rewards Program?
As part of its effort to build lasting relationships with guests, Cracker Barrel do more than just offering great food and hospitality. The brand also has the Cracker Barrel Rewards Program, making every trip to the country-style chain even more rewarding. Members enjoy the many ways of getting access to homestyle and unique finds at Cracker Barrel.
Here’s a rundown of what we love about the Cracker Barrel Rewards Program:
- Ease of earning pegs (points): Instead of points, loyalty members earn “pegs” from qualified purchases made in-store or via the restaurant’s app or website. Also for every dollar that you spend, you get pegs; this applies whether you’re ordering for catering, delivery, or to-go. Pegs can also be earned when purchasing retail merchandise. The best part? You get a free Barrel Bite appetizer for signing up! You can register at any Cracker Barrel location or through its app or website.
- Expansive list of rewards: There’s something for everyone when the time comes for redeeming rewards. You can choose from the menu of sweets or entrees, retail discounts, or bigger rewards. Of course, the more pegs you save, the more rewards you could get. Rewards vary depending on the “peg level” that you have reached: 75 pegs, 150 pegs and all the way to 225 pegs.
- Bonus game for bonus rewards: Loyalty members can also play a bonus game, wherein they spin a wheel to win bonus rewards. Each month, you can get a free spin and a chance to get exciting surprises. For a seamless digital experience, members have an online profile where they can redeem rewards and track new pegs. It basically offers an easy way to manage an account through a personalized dashboard.
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From The Club
Cracker Barrel has been around long enough to know what makes diners enjoy country-style meals. For this brand, it’s not just about the quality food. It’s also about the experience of having people to share that good food with. I have always enjoyed going to Cracker Barrel because of its atmosphere ideal for socializing. Anyway, it’s great to witness the success of this chain. The complimentary cake slice is too good to ignore and a reminder of the brand’s destiny to thrive. Maybe there’s no such thing as an accident after all!