Local Business
Cracker Barrel Welcomes the Holidays With Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes, Country Fried Turkey and Thanksgiving Feasts
From sweet cinnamon breakfasts to complete Thanksgiving dinners, Cracker Barrel is bringing holiday comfort food to the table with new menu items, returning favorites and convenient meals for families celebrating at home.
Food & Drink | STM Daily News
The holiday season is approaching, and Cracker Barrel is getting an early start on the festivities with a lineup of comforting seasonal dishes, festive beverages and ready-to-serve Thanksgiving meals.
The restaurant chain announced its 2026 holiday menu on October 20, introducing new Cinnamon Swirl Pancakesand a Country Fried Turkey Sandwich, alongside returning favorites such as Country Fried Turkey and Cinnamon Swirl French Toast.
For families looking to simplify Thanksgiving preparations, Cracker Barrel is also bringing back its popular Heat & Serve meals, offering complete holiday dinners that can be prepared at home in two hours or less.
The seasonal offerings are part of the company’s “Get Your Season’s Worth” holiday campaign, which encourages customers to celebrate everyday moments throughout the season rather than saving all the festivities for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
New Holiday Flavors: Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes and Country Fried Turkey Sandwich
Two new dishes are taking center stage on Cracker Barrel’s holiday menu this year.
Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
For breakfast lovers, the new Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with Cracker Barrel’s signature buttermilk pancakes.
The fluffy pancakes feature a rich cinnamon filling swirled throughout and are finished with a drizzle of sweet cream cheese icing.
The breakfast comes with two eggs and a choice of thick-sliced bacon or smoked sausage.
It’s a festive twist on a traditional pancake breakfast, offering something a little sweeter for customers looking to start their day with a taste of the holidays.
Country Fried Turkey Sandwich
Cracker Barrel is also introducing a new handheld version of one of its popular seasonal dishes.
The Country Fried Turkey Sandwich features a crispy, breaded turkey tenderloin topped with gravy and cranberry relish, served on a toasted bun.
The combination brings together several familiar Thanksgiving flavors in a sandwich that customers can enjoy without waiting for the holiday itself.
For those who enjoy the traditional combination of turkey, gravy and cranberry sauce, the sandwich offers a convenient alternative to a full holiday dinner.
Returning Holiday Favorites
Along with its new offerings, Cracker Barrel is bringing back several seasonal favorites that have become familiar parts of its holiday menu.
Country Fried Turkey
The returning entrée features hand-breaded turkey tenderloins topped with creamy herbed pan gravy.
It’s served with country sides, cranberry relish and a choice of buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins.
Cinnamon Swirl French Toast Breakfast
This returning breakfast favorite features cinnamon streusel bread dipped in Cracker Barrel’s signature batter and cooked until golden brown.
The French toast is topped with cinnamon and cream cheese icings and served with two eggs and a choice of bacon or smoked sausage.
Rich DIY Hot Chocolate
For customers looking for a warm seasonal treat, Cracker Barrel’s returning hot chocolate comes topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle.
Guests can personalize their drinks with a selection of toppings.
Cinnamon Swirl Latte
Available hot or iced, the Cinnamon Swirl Latte features sweet cinnamon flavor, whipped cream, an icing drizzle and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Together, these returning favorites provide customers with several ways to enjoy familiar holiday flavors throughout the season.
Thanksgiving Dinner Without Spending All Day in the Kitchen
For many families, Thanksgiving is about gathering around the table, sharing a meal and spending time together.
However, preparing a traditional Thanksgiving dinner can require hours of cooking, planning and cleanup.
Cracker Barrel is offering an alternative with its Thanksgiving Heat & Serve meals, designed to provide a complete holiday dinner with significantly less preparation.
According to the company, the meals can be heated and served in two hours or less.
Two options are available for families of different sizes.
Thanksgiving Heat & Serve Turkey Family Dinner — Approximately $119.99
Designed to feed four to six people, this meal includes:
- One oven-roasted turkey breast
- Sweet potato casserole
- Green beans
- Cornbread dressing
- Turkey gravy
- Cranberry relish
- Sweet rolls
The Family Dinner offers a traditional Thanksgiving meal without requiring customers to prepare each dish from scratch.
Thanksgiving Heat & Serve Turkey Feast — Approximately $189.99
For larger gatherings, the Turkey Feast serves eight to ten people and includes:
- Two oven-roasted turkey breasts
- Sweet potato casserole
- Green beans
- Mashed potatoes
- Cornbread dressing
- Turkey gravy
- Cranberry relish
- Sweet rolls
- Pumpkin pie
- Pecan pie
The larger meal includes dessert, making it a more complete option for families hosting Thanksgiving celebrations.
Important: Prices are approximate and may vary by restaurant location.
Holiday Pies for the Dessert Table
Customers who prefer to prepare their own Thanksgiving dinner but want to save time on dessert can also purchase Cracker Barrel’s fresh-baked holiday pies.
Available flavors include pumpkin, pecan, chocolate pecan and cinnamon roll, among others.
Pies are typically priced around $14.49 each, depending on location.
These desserts provide an additional option for holiday hosts who want to spend less time baking while still offering familiar seasonal favorites.
When Can Customers Order Thanksgiving Meals?
Cracker Barrel began accepting Thanksgiving Heat & Serve pre-orders on October 20.
Customers can place orders through the company’s website or mobile app.
Thanksgiving meal pickup dates: November 21–29, 2026.
With Thanksgiving falling on Thursday, November 26, customers have several pickup dates available to accommodate their holiday plans.
The company recommends ordering ahead to secure the desired meal and pickup date.
The seasonal restaurant menu is also available for a limited time at participating Cracker Barrel locations nationwide.
Celebrating the Little Moments of the Holiday Season
Cracker Barrel’s holiday campaign focuses on the idea that memorable gatherings don’t always have to happen on major holidays.
Sometimes, a family breakfast, a weeknight dinner or an unexpected gathering can become a meaningful holiday tradition.
“Some of the best holiday memories happen when you’re not planning on making them,” said Sarah Moore, Cracker Barrel’s chief marketing officer.
The company hopes its seasonal menu will encourage customers to enjoy those moments throughout the holidays.
The strategy also reflects a growing interest in convenient meal options that allow families to enjoy traditional holiday foods without spending an entire day preparing them.
A Taste of Tradition for the Holidays
Founded in Lebanon, Tennessee, in 1969, Cracker Barrel has built its reputation around homestyle meals, country hospitality and traditional American comfort food.
Today, the company operates approximately 660 restaurants across 43 states.
Its 2026 holiday lineup continues that tradition by combining familiar seasonal dishes with new menu offerings and convenient take-home meals.
Whether customers are interested in cinnamon-filled pancakes for breakfast, a country fried turkey sandwich for lunch or a complete Thanksgiving feast at home, the restaurant is offering several ways to enjoy the flavors of the season.
And for families who would rather spend Thanksgiving visiting with loved ones than managing a kitchen full of pots and pans, the Heat & Serve meals may be an appealing alternative.
Where to Find More Information
Customers can explore the holiday menu, check local availability and place Thanksgiving meal pre-orders through the official Cracker Barrel website or mobile app.
Website: CrackerBarrel.com
Source: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc., news release dated October 20, 2026.
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Golden Bird in Compton: When Mom Took a Night Off
Golden Bird in Compton was an occasional Friday or Saturday treat when Mom wanted a break from cooking. A personal look back at its Alondra Boulevard location and the memories that linger.
Some childhood meals stay with you for decades. For me, Golden Bird fried chicken in Compton is one of them.
Growing up in the Los Angeles area, an occasional Friday or Saturday meant my mom wanted a break from cooking. Those were the nights when takeout became a treat, and Golden Bird was one of the places I remember enjoying most.
The location on East Alondra Boulevard sounds like the one we visited. Researching it brought me to 2600 East Alondra Boulevard, Compton—an address listed in Los Angeles County records under Golden Bird #1.
An address can help place a memory on a map. But what I remember most is much simpler: the chicken was delicious, and getting it was a welcome weekend treat.
Part of Our Family’s Takeout Rotation
Golden Bird wasn’t our only chicken stop. Over the years, there was Pioneer, KFC, Church’s, Louisiana Fried Chicken, and later Popeyes. I also remember Jim Dandy from when I was very young, especially its crinkle-cut fries.
Each name brings back a different memory. Golden Bird brings me back to Compton and those evenings when my mother could take some time off from preparing dinner.
As a kid, I thought about enjoying the food. Looking back, I also appreciate what those meals meant for her: one less dinner to cook and a chance to take a break.
The History Behind the Address
Golden Bird’s own history describes a family recipe associated with Zelma and a wet batter designed to give the chicken a crisp outside while keeping the meat moist. My own memory is simply that I loved eating it.
The Alondra Boulevard location also connects to another chapter in Southern California’s fried-chicken history. Vincent Williams opened a Compton Golden Bird franchise in 1983, according to the Los Angeles Times.
A later profile described Williams developing his Honey’s Kettle concept in his former Compton franchise location. Honey’s Kettle dates its beginnings on Alondra Boulevard to 2000, and a 2012 restaurant visit documented its original location at 2600 East Alondra Boulevard. Those accounts point to a connection between the two businesses at that address.
I haven’t established who operated the restaurant during every year my family visited. But learning about its history adds another layer to a place I remember through its food.
A Weekend Memory Worth Keeping
For me, Golden Bird’s place in the story starts with family. It was an occasional treat, a meal I enjoyed, and a Friday or Saturday when Mom could let someone else handle the cooking.
Decades later, that is still a good reason to remember a neighborhood restaurant.
Editor’s note: Golden Bird is still serving fried chicken in South Los Angeles at 8300 South Western Avenue, at West 83rd Street. For those of us who remember it as a weekend family treat, it’s good to know the Golden Bird name remains part of LA’s food scene. Order pickup and delivery
Did you eat at the Golden Bird on Alondra Boulevard—or another Golden Bird location? Share your memories and favorite orders in the comments.
Explore more food stories in STM Daily News’ Food & Drink section.
Foodie News
Wingstop Kicks Off Football Season With Lemon Pepper Trio and First-Ever Wing Pass
Wingstop is kicking off football season with two new twists on its iconic Lemon Pepper flavor and its first-ever Wing Pass, offering select fans weekly Watch Party Bundles throughout the regular season.
Two new takes on Wingstop’s popular Lemon Pepper flavor are joining the menu as the chain rolls out a limited-edition Wing Pass aimed at football watch parties.
Football season is underway, and Wingstop is betting that wings will remain a major part of the weekly game-day spread.
The Dallas-based restaurant chain is expanding one of its signature flavors with the launch of its new Lemon Pepper Trio, featuring the familiar Original Lemon Pepper alongside two new variations: Lemon Pepper Chili Crunch and Lemon Pepper Chili Glaze.
The trio will receive an early release for Club Wingstop members beginning Sept. 10 before becoming available nationwide at participating U.S. locations on Sept. 15 for a limited time, according to the company.
Three Takes on Lemon Pepper
Wingstop’s Original Lemon Pepper combines lemon flavor with cracked black pepper in the dry rub that has become one of the chain’s best-known offerings.
The two newcomers take that familiar flavor in different directions.
Lemon Pepper Chili Crunch starts with the traditional Lemon Pepper dry rub and adds crispy Korean chili crunch, introducing additional texture and heat.
Lemon Pepper Chili Glaze goes in a sweeter and saucier direction, combining citrus flavor and sweet heat with crispy Korean chili crunch.
All three flavors can be ordered on Wingstop’s classic wings, giving customers the option of sticking with the original or trying one of the spicier variations.
“Lemon Pepper is an iconic flavor, and Wingstop is proud of the role we’ve played in bringing it to fans around the world,” Wingstop President and CEO Michael Skipworth said in announcing the promotion.
The new flavors arrive as restaurants and food brands compete for a place in one of the biggest recurring food occasions of the fall: football watch parties.
Wingstop Introduces Its First Wing Pass
Wingstop is also taking an unusual approach to football-season promotions with its first Wing Pass, essentially turning weekly wing orders into the restaurant equivalent of a season ticket.
Each Wing Pass provides access to as many as 18 Watch Party Bundles, representing one bundle for each week of the regular football season.
A Watch Party Bundle includes 20 classic wings in as many as four flavors, a large order of fries and a large ranch.
Here’s where the promotion becomes especially notable: Wingstop says the Wing Pass costs $27.99 — the price of a single Watch Party Bundle.
Only 100 passes are being made available.
Club Wingstop members can purchase the limited passes beginning Sept. 10 at noon Central Time through Wingstop’s Wingshop. Passholders will then receive a Watch Party Bundle offer through their Wingstop app account each Sunday morning during the 18-week season, subject to the promotion’s terms and conditions.
With only 100 passes available nationwide, the Wing Pass is less a traditional discount program than a limited promotional event designed to generate attention around Wingstop’s football-season push.
Wings and Football Remain a Powerful Combination
The promotion highlights just how closely chicken wings have become associated with watching football in the United States. Restaurants routinely introduce larger bundles, limited flavors and game-day promotions as fans gather at homes, sports bars and restaurants throughout the season.
For Wingstop, the strategy combines both sides of that equation.
The Lemon Pepper Trio gives customers something new to try, while the Wing Pass encourages the idea of making Wingstop part of a weekly football routine.
Founded in 1994, Wingstop has grown to more than 3,000 restaurants worldwide. The company reported more than $5 billion in system-wide sales during fiscal 2025 and has ambitions of becoming one of the world’s top 10 restaurant brands.
Whether Lemon Pepper Chili Crunch or Lemon Pepper Chili Glaze develops the following of Wingstop’s original version remains to be seen. But for Lemon Pepper fans looking for something different during football season, the starting lineup just got a little bigger.
Source: Wingstop Restaurants Inc., press release issued Sept. 9, 2026.
Availability and promotional offers may vary by participating location. The Lemon Pepper Trio is a limited-time offering while supplies last. The Wing Pass is subject to Wingstop’s official terms and conditions.
Sources
- Wingstop — Lemon Pepper Trio and First-Ever Wing Pass announcement — Wingstop’s official Sept. 9, 2026 announcement covering the Lemon Pepper Chili Crunch, Lemon Pepper Chili Glaze and Wing Pass.
- PR Newswire — Wingstop Kicks Off Football Season with New Lemon Pepper Trio and Wing Pass — Original distributed press release dated Sept. 9, 2026.
Related Links
- Wingstop Lemon Pepper Flavor Guide — Background on Wingstop’s original Lemon Pepper dry rub, including its lemon and cracked-pepper flavor profile.
- Wingstop Investor Relations — Corporate information, financial results and current company announcements.
- Wingstop News & Press Releases — Additional Wingstop product launches and company news, including its recent Carolina Gold and Jamaican Jerk promotion.
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Community
The Marco’s Pizza Foundation Donates $1 Million to Junior Achievement USA, Surpasses $1.5 Million in Total Giving
The Marco’s Pizza Foundation has surpassed $1 million donated to Junior Achievement USA, marking a major milestone for the pizza brand’s charitable organization. With the latest contribution, the Foundation says it has now delivered more than $1.5 million in total charitable giving across its partners, reinforcing a focus on education, opportunity, and community impact.
National initiative with local impact
Junior Achievement USA is one of the nation’s leading youth organizations, preparing young people for future success through hands-on learning focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness. Marco’s says its partnership with JA has been powered by register-based fundraising, allowing stores across the country to raise donations at checkout that support local JA chapters near each participating location.
Giving totals to date
The Foundation shared additional milestones tied to its charitable efforts:
- More than $1 million donated to Junior Achievement USA
- $475,000 donated to No Kid Hungry
- More than $1.5 million in total charitable giving across partners
Brandon Hudson, a multi-unit franchisee and newly appointed president of The Marco’s Pizza Foundation, credited guests, franchisees, and store teams for driving the results through round-up and register donation efforts.
A personal connection to Junior Achievement
Hudson said his connection to Junior Achievement is personal: as a student in the Chicago area, he participated in JA programs from his sophomore through senior years of high school, where he developed early business plans and explored entrepreneurship. Hudson now owns and operates 13 Marco’s Pizza stores, with five more in development, and was appointed Foundation president in March 2026.
What the Foundation focuses on
Guided by its mission to help individuals be fed, educated, and equipped, the Foundation says its work centers on four pillars:
- Hunger Prevention
- School & Education
- Workforce Development
- Entrepreneurship
For more information, visit https://www.marcos.com/foundation/
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