Food and Beverage
Cracker Barrel Welcomes Spring With New Dishes and the Return of Classic Comforts
Cracker Barrel’s limited-time spring menu is available now nationwide, featuring the return of the Ham Dinner, Fried Catfish, Smoky Southern Salmon, new breakfast scrambles, and a Meals for Two deal.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is leaning into what it does best this season: familiar, homestyle comfort—plus a few timely updates designed for spring get-togethers.
In a Feb. 10 announcement from Lebanon, Tennessee, the brand said its limited-time spring menu is now available nationwide, built around returning classics like the Ham Dinner and Fried Catfish, alongside seasonal additions including a refreshed Smoky Southern Salmon and new breakfast scrambles.
A spring menu built around “feels like home” comfort
Cracker Barrel framed the rollout around the idea that guests are looking for places that still feel warm, dependable, and familiar. The company said the spring lineup balances “craveable favorites” with “thoughtful seasonal additions,” keeping the experience rooted in the country hospitality the brand is known for.
“Spring has always been a season of coming together, and that sense of connection is at the heart of who we are,” said Thomas Yun, vice president of menu strategy and innovation at Cracker Barrel. “Our spring menu brings back the flavors guests know and love, while offering new ways to enjoy the comfort and care that make Cracker Barrel feel like home.”
Ham Dinner returns as the seasonal centerpiece
Back by popular demand, the Ham Dinner returns as the headliner of the spring menu. Cracker Barrel said the meal features sugar-cured or country ham, paired with guests’ choice of classic sides—such as Dumplins, Fried Cinnamon Apples, Hashbrown Casserole, Macaroni & Cheese, and Mashed Potatoes—plus warm buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins.
The company positioned the dish as a familiar option for spring gatherings, calling it a comfort meal that generations have grown up with.
Seafood options highlight seasonal cravings
Cracker Barrel is also leaning into a time of year when seafood tends to be top of mind, spotlighting a returning favorite and a seasonal refresh.
- Fried Catfish: Two cornmeal-fried, U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets served with tartar sauce and hushpuppies, plus a choice of two or three classic sides.
- Smoky Southern Salmon: Returning with an updated seasonal recipe featuring a smokier, more savory flavor profile. Guests can order it as an entrée, pair it with shrimp, or choose it as a salad topper.
Breakfast all day, with new scrambles and a sweet favorite
For guests who come to Cracker Barrel for breakfast at any hour, the spring menu introduces two new savory scrambles and brings back a seasonal sweet option.
- Farmhouse Scramble: Bacon, sugar ham, peppers, onions, and Colby cheese over scrambled eggs, finished with diced tomatoes and green onions and drizzled with sweet-and-spicy maple syrup.
- Garden Scramble: Roasted cremini mushrooms, spinach, peppers, onions, and pepper jack cheese over three scrambled eggs, topped with diced tomatoes and green onions.
- Strawberry Stuffed Cheesecake Pancakes: Returning as a dessert-like breakfast option for a sweet start—or finish—to a meal.
Shareables and desserts bring back nostalgia
The spring lineup also includes a new shareable starter and the return of a classic dessert.
- Hushpuppy Dippers: A new, shareable take on the hushpuppies traditionally served with Fried Catfish.
- Carrot Cake: Returning with moist layers baked with coconut, pineapple, walnuts, cinnamon, and vanilla, topped with cream cheese icing and chopped pecans.
Cracker Barrel said these additions are meant to encourage guests to slow down, connect, and enjoy the “simple pleasures” associated with the brand.
“Meals for Two” value deal continues through spring
Cracker Barrel also confirmed its value-focused “Meals for Two” deal will extend through spring. Available all day Monday through Friday, the offer includes two entrées plus a choice of a shareable starter or dessert, starting at $19.99.
According to the company, the dine-in-only promotion runs through May 3, 2026, excludes taxes and beverages, and is not valid for carryout, delivery, online purchases, or with other discounts.
Availability and where to learn more
The limited-time spring menu is available now at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations nationwide. For more information or to find a location, visit CrackerBarrel.com.
About Cracker Barrel
Founded in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. serves homestyle food and offers retail merchandise across approximately 660 company-owned locations in 43 states. The company also owns the fast-casual Maple Street Biscuit Company.
For media inquiries, Cracker Barrel provided: Media.relations@crackerbarrel.com.
Foodie News
Take to the Outdoors with a Fresh, Picnic-Friendly Sandwich
When the weather breaks and it’s time to get outdoors, there’s hardly any better place to be than resting on a deck, lounging in the backyard or curled up on a picnic blanket at a local park. Enjoy that leisurely time with loved ones by sharing a spread that includes these Picnic-Friendly Sandwich.
Take to the Outdoors with a Fresh, Picnic-Friendly Sandwich
(Feature Impact) When the weather breaks and it’s time to get outdoors, there’s hardly any better place to be than resting on a deck, lounging in the backyard or curled up on a picnic blanket at a local park. Enjoy that leisurely time with loved ones by sharing a spread that includes these Picnic Party Sandwiches, perfect for a filling lunch that provides the energy you need for kicking around a soccer ball, playing tag or flying a kite.
Find more lunch ideas fit for enjoying the sunshine by visiting Culinary.net.
Picnic Party Sandwiches
Recipe adapted from “Crunch Time Kitchen”
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- 1 large fresh baguette
- 1/4 cup fig preserves
- 6-8 ounces cured meats, such as prosciutto, salami and capocollo
- 6 ounces brie cheese, sliced
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- Mash together room temperature butter with fresh parsley. Set aside.
- Cut fresh baguette length-wise and smear bottom half of the baguette with herbed butter. Top with fig preserves.
- Layer on cured meats followed by slices of brie cheese. For brie, cut off any large pieces of rind.
- In small bowl, toss arugula with lemon juice and salt. Add arugula to sandwich followed by top half of baguette.
- Cut baguette into four even sandwiches and eat immediately or wrap each one tightly in paper or plastic wrap.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
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Food and Beverage
Big Chicken Goes Global: Shaquille O’Neal’s Restaurant Brand Debuts in Honduras
Big Chicken, founded by Shaquille O’Neal, debuts in Honduras with new restaurants in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba, marking its Central America expansion.
SAN PEDRO SULA & LA CEIBA, Honduras — The global expansion of celebrity-backed dining concepts continues to gain momentum as Shaquille O’Neal brings his fast-growing restaurant brand, Big Chicken, to Central America for the first time.
Founded in 2018, Big Chicken has quickly built a reputation for blending comfort food favorites with bold, modern flavors—and now it’s making its mark in Honduras with the opening of two new locations in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba.
A Strategic Central American Launch
The new restaurants—located at Plaza Masdeval in San Pedro Sula and Plaza Corvey in La Ceiba—represent a significant milestone in the brand’s international growth strategy. Both cities offer strong economic and cultural appeal:
- San Pedro Sula serves as Honduras’ industrial and commercial hub
- La Ceiba is a vibrant coastal destination known for tourism and Caribbean energy
Together, they provide an ideal entry point for a brand built around high-energy dining and community engagement.
The expansion is led by international franchise operator Thomas Talarico, CEO of BLT UK Holdings Limited, who is spearheading Big Chicken’s rollout across the region. Following Honduras, plans are already in motion for additional locations in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Panama.
What’s on the Menu?
Big Chicken’s Honduras menu delivers the same fan-favorite offerings that have fueled its success in North America, including:
- Signature sandwiches like “The Original” and “The Shaq Attack”
- Crispy chicken tenders and “Dunks” (bite-sized chicken pieces)
- Hand-spun milkshakes and indulgent sides
- New “Shaq Snacks,” featuring tenders paired with garlic toast and bold toppings
In a move tailored to local tastes, the brand also plans to introduce limited-time menu items inspired by Honduran flavors, blending global appeal with regional culinary identity.
Riding the Fast-Casual Boom
Big Chicken’s expansion comes at a time when the Latin American fast-casual dining sector is experiencing rapid growth. Industry projections estimate the market will surpass $70 billion by 2026, driven by increasing demand for convenient, high-quality dining options.
The brand’s strategy—combining recognizable celebrity influence, scalable franchising, and localized menu innovation—positions it well to compete in this evolving market.
More Than Just a Celebrity Brand
While Shaquille O’Neal’s name brings instant recognition, Big Chicken’s leadership emphasizes that its long-term success hinges on more than star power. CEO Josh Halpern highlighted the importance of local partnerships and community-driven experiences as key to the brand’s international growth.
With more than 40 locations already operating across North America and beyond—and dozens more in development—Big Chicken is rapidly evolving into a global fast-casual contender.
The Bigger Picture
From arenas and airports to cruise ships and now Central American city centers, Big Chicken’s footprint continues to expand across diverse markets. Its arrival in Honduras signals not just a new dining option for local communities, but also a broader trend: the globalization of American fast-casual brands with localized twists.
As the brand builds momentum across the Americas, one thing is clear—Big Chicken is betting big on flavor, fun, and international growth.
Related Links
Big Chicken Official Website
Franchise Opportunities
Source
- Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken Touches Down in Central America with Honduras Debut — PR Newswire (Craveworthy Brands), March 18, 2026
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SAN DIEGO, CA — The award-winning JOEY Restaurant Group is continuing its U.S. expansion with the debut of its first San Diego location, JOEY La Jolla, opening April 23, 2026. The new restaurant will be located at Westfield UTC, one of Southern California’s premier retail and lifestyle destinations.
A New Dining Destination for La Jolla
Set in the heart of La Jolla, the 10,600-square-foot restaurant is designed to deliver a vibrant, upscale-yet-approachable experience. Guests can expect a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor dining, complete with a welcoming fire feature, lush landscaping, and a covered patio that opens into an expansive, modern interior.
Inside, the space features a lively bar and lounge area, complete with a DJ booth for select evenings, a curated wine wall, and contemporary art installations. The dining room centers around a striking olive tree beneath a wood canopy, creating a warm and immersive atmosphere ideal for everything from casual lunches to late-night gatherings.
Elevated Cuisine Meets Global Inspiration
JOEY Restaurants has built its reputation on globally inspired dishes and high-quality ingredients—and JOEY La Jolla is no exception.
The menu will showcase a wide range of offerings, including:
- Premium steak cuts like Bone-In Prime Ribeye and Tomahawk
- Fire-torched sushi and fresh seafood
- Shareable plates and handcrafted bowls
- Signature creations like Truffle Udon Carbonara
The beverage program is equally robust, featuring a curated wine selection and handcrafted cocktails such as the Good Life Margarita and Woodsmoked Old Fashioned. Guests can also explore “JOEY Supers,” a creative take on the classic highball with a refreshing twist.
Leadership Behind the Experience
The culinary and beverage program is led by an award-winning team, including:
- Matthew Stowe, Executive Chef and Top Chef alumnus
- Jay Jones, Bar Development Leader and Hall of Fame inductee
- Jason Yamasaki, Group Sommelier
Their combined expertise is expected to elevate JOEY La Jolla into one of San Diego’s standout dining destinations.
Soft Opening and Reservations
Diners eager to get an early look can reserve a table during the restaurant’s limited preview period from April 18–22, ahead of its official grand opening on April 23. Once open, JOEY La Jolla will offer full-service dining daily, including lunch, happy hour, dinner, and late-night service.
Hours of Operation:
- Sunday–Thursday: 11 AM – 12 AM
- Friday–Saturday: 11 AM – 1 AM
Location:
4489 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 1600
San Diego, CA 92122
A Strategic Expansion into Southern California
According to company leadership, the move into San Diego marks a significant milestone in JOEY’s broader growth strategy. With its strong culinary culture and coastal lifestyle, La Jolla provides an ideal backdrop for the brand’s signature blend of hospitality, design, and globally influenced cuisine.
As San Diego’s dining scene continues to evolve, JOEY La Jolla is positioned to become a go-to destination for locals and visitors seeking a dynamic and elevated dining experience.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
