Cracker Barrel Welcomes Winter with the Return of Beloved Classics and Addition of New Favorites, All on the Meals for Two Menu Starting at $19.99
Rhea-AI Summary
Cracker Barrel (NASDAQ:CBRL) refreshed its winter menu on Jan 6, 2026, returning classics like Hamburger Steak and Eggs in The Basket and adding a new Spicy Maple sauce.
The chain is promoting a value-focused Meals for Two offering at $19.99 available all day Monday–Friday through May 3, 2026 (dine-in only), with optional soup and salad add-on for $5 per person.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
CBRL was down 1.12% pre-release while peers were mixed: FWRG +4.9%, KRUS +4.79%, CNNE +1.34%, HDL 0%, SG -0.14%, suggesting stock-specific dynamics rather than a sector-wide move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 10 | Holiday promotions | Positive | +3.5% | Holiday toy giveaway, Meals for Two offers, Heat & Serve meals promotion. |
| Dec 09 | Earnings & outlook | Negative | +1.4% | Revenue decline, GAAP loss, and reduced adjusted EBITDA guidance for FY26. |
| Nov 25 | Earnings call notice | Neutral | +7.6% | Announcement of timing for fiscal 2026 Q1 results release and webcast. |
| Nov 21 | Activism commentary | Neutral | +4.3% | Biglari Capital statement highlighting support of retail shareholders versus CEO. |
| Nov 20 | Annual meeting results | Positive | -5.5% | Shareholders backed 9 of 10 board nominees and approved bylaw changes. |
Recent news shows mixed alignment: marketing and governance updates sometimes moved shares opposite their apparent tone, while promotional news has aligned with positive reactions.
Over the past few months, Cracker Barrel has combined promotional initiatives with significant financial and governance developments. A holiday offer on Dec 10, 2025 featuring Meals for Two at $19.99 saw shares rise 3.52%. The next day, Q1 FY26 results showed revenue of $797.2M, a GAAP net loss of $24.6M, and reduced EBITDA guidance, yet the stock gained 1.43%. Governance news around the Nov 20, 2025 annual meeting, where 9 of 10 nominees were elected, coincided with a -5.49% move. Today’s winter menu promotion fits the pattern of recurring value-focused offers.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement extends Cracker Barrel’s focus on value and seasonal comfort, featuring Meals for Two at $19.99 and a new Spicy Maple sauce alongside returning classics. It follows holiday promotions and arrives after Q1 FY26 results that showed a GAAP net loss of $24.6M and reduced EBITDA guidance. Investors may watch how these menu initiatives support traffic and check trends against this more challenging financial backdrop and recent insider selling activity.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Beloved familiar favorites like Hamburger Steak and Eggs in The Basket make a comeback, while new Spicy Maple sauce brings sweet heat to the menu
And while Hamburger Steak and Eggs in The Basket make their much-anticipated comeback, an exciting new flavor adds a bold twist to the season. The all-new Spicy Maple sauce delivers a sweet-heat kick, rounding out a winter lineup rooted in tradition with just the right touch of something new.
"Winter calls for comfort and connection, and nothing delivers that better than the classics," said Thomas Yun, Cracker Barrel VP of Menu Strategy and Innovation. "Bringing back Hamburger Steak and Eggs in The Basket was an easy choice. Not only are they timeless favorites with deep roots on our menu, but they're also among the most requested dishes from our guests. These dishes are uniquely Cracker Barrel – rooted in tradition and loved for generations – and we're thrilled to bring back classics our guests know and love, made the way they remember."
What's Back and Better Than Ever
Starting today, guests can once again savor the delicious Hamburger Steak, a favorite that appeared on the first Cracker Barrel menu when doors opened in 1969. Featuring juicy, seasoned beef topped with a savory buttery garlic sauce and served with two or three classic sides – think creamy Macaroni & Cheese, famed Hashbrown Casserole, classic Dumplins and more – plus warm made from scratch buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins. Want to go all in? Order smothered with sautéed onions and rich brown gravy for the classic southern style of this famed dish.
Also returning is the beloved Eggs in The Basket, a nostalgic breakfast favorite featuring two slices of golden-grilled sourdough bread with an egg nestled in the center, served with bacon or sausage and one classic side.
Comfort, All Included: Meals for Two
Guests can enjoy Cracker Barrel's most value-packed seasonal offering with Meals for Two, an all-included way to share returning favorites and hearty comfort classics. Available all day, Monday through Friday, Meals for Two includes a choice of a shareable starter or dessert and two hearty entrées, such as Hamburger Steak, Eggs in The Basket or the Breakfast Burger, all for just
Welcome to the Lineup, Spicy Maple
Cracker Barrel is redefining sweet heat with a new sauce that's as bold as it is authentic. The Spicy Maple sauce includes the syrup featured in our stores today and blends that iconic sweetness with a unique mix of spices for a perfectly balanced kick. It's the ultimate flavor upgrade, especially when paired with Crispy Tender Dippers or the crave-worthy Breakfast Burger.
"This isn't just another trend; it's a flavor innovation rooted in tradition," said Yun. "We've taken a beloved ingredient and given it a bold, spicy twist that's as distinctive as it is delicious."
More Winter Country Comforts
Guests can also warm up this winter with a lineup of comforting favorites available for a limited time:
- The Breakfast Burger: Newly introduced during the holidays, this crave-worthy creation quickly became a guest favorite, earning its spot on the winter menu. Featuring a juicy all-beef burger patty, stacked with crispy bacon, a sunny-side-up egg, two slices of melted American cheese and Cracker Barrel's signature Hashbrown Casserole, all on a toasted bun.
- Southern BBQ Ribs: Now available every day, while supplies last, these slow-cooked to perfection fall-apart ribs are topped with tangy & sweet brown sugar BBQ sauce and served with your choice of two or three classic sides and buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins.
- Grandma's Sampler: Featuring a choice of two fluffy buttermilk pancakes or two slices of French toast, plus two freshly cracked eggs, a sampling of bacon, sausage, and sugar cured or country ham, and one classic side. Served with pure natural syrup and butter.
- Steak & Eggs: A hearty
New York strip steak grilled to perfection with buttery garlic sauce, two eggs, choice of classic side and warm buttermilk biscuits. - Broccoli Cheese Casserole: A returning and comforting favorite, this delicious take on the classic casserole features broccoli and rice in a rich cheese sauce, topped with crushed buttery cracker crumbles.
To learn about Cracker Barrel, the new seasonal winter offerings or to find your nearest location, please visit CrackerBarrel.com, and be sure to follow Cracker Barrel on Instagram and TikTok.
*Meals for Two offer valid thru 5/3/26, exclusive of taxes and beverages. Dine in only. Not available for takeaways, carryout, to-go, delivery and online purchases. Subject to availability. May not redeem pegs toward the purchase and not valid with any other discounts or promotions. Offer subject to modification/withdrawal without notice.
**Soup and salad offer valid with Meals for Two purchase. In-store only. Excludes taxes. Valid for 1 cup of soup and 1 side salad. May not mix and match - Not valid for 2 cups of soup or 2 side salads. Soups vary by location.
About Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. - rooted in a rich legacy of warmth, generosity, and tradition - is on a mission to bring the goodness of country hospitality to life. Since 1969, when the first store opened in
Contact:
Media.relations@crackerbarrel.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cracker-barrel-welcomes-winter-with-the-return-of-beloved-classics-and-addition-of-new-favorites-all-on-the-meals-for-two-menu-starting-at-19-99--302653892.html
SOURCE Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
FAQ
What did Cracker Barrel (CBRL) add to its winter menu on Jan 6, 2026?
What is the Meals for Two price and availability for CBRL's winter offer?
Can customers add soup and salad to Cracker Barrel's Meals for Two (CBRL)?
Is the Meals for Two offer at Cracker Barrel (CBRL) valid for takeout or delivery?
How long will Cracker Barrel (CBRL) serve the winter menu items?
