Cracker Barrel eases into growth with acquired brand

True to their steady-eddie overall approach, the leaders of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store don’t plan to plow a large amount of resources into their recently biscuit-focused fast-casual concept.

Speaking last week to analysts and investors on the heels of reporting their results for Cracker Barrel’s first fiscal quarter, CEO Sandy Cochran and CFO Jill Golder said they plan to bring to Middle Tennessee the team running Maple Street Biscuit Co., which Cracker Barrel bought in October for $36 million. Maple Street runs more than 30 owned and franchised restaurants in a handful of states, a number that will grow in the coming months as Cracker Barrel converts six of its seven Holler & Dash stores. The integration of the new brand is expected to be completed by next spring.