Cracker Barrel Deals & Rewards: Complete Guide to Saving Money
Cracker Barrel offers multiple ways to save money through their rewards program, daily deals, seasonal promotions, and exclusive offers. Understanding how to maximize these opportunities can significantly reduce dining costs while enjoying the restaurant’s signature country cooking.
Cracker Barrel Rewards Program Overview
The Cracker Barrel Rewards program is a free digital loyalty system that allows guests to earn points on every purchase. Members accumulate points that convert to rewards redeemable on future visits.
How to Join:
- Download the Cracker Barrel mobile app (iOS or Android)
- Sign up through the website at crackerbarrel.com
- Register in-store by asking your server
- Provide email address and create account password
Membership Benefits:
- Earn points on every dollar spent
- Birthday reward (free dessert or appetizer)
- Exclusive member-only promotions
- Early access to seasonal menu items
- Digital receipt storage
- No membership fees
Points Earning Structure
| Purchase Amount | Points Earned | Reward Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| $1 spent | 1 point | 250 points = $5 reward |
| $25 purchase | 25 points | 500 points = $10 reward |
| $50 purchase | 50 points | 1,000 points = $20 reward |
| $100 purchase | 100 points | 2,000 points = $40 reward |
Points accumulate on both food and retail purchases made in Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores. The 250-point threshold represents approximately $250 in spending to earn a $5 reward, translating to a 2% return rate on purchases.
Current Deals and Promotions
Cracker Barrel rotates promotional offers throughout the year. Active deals typically include:
Daily and Weekly Specials
| Deal Type | Description | Typical Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Lunch Specials | Reduced pricing on select lunch entrees Monday-Friday | $2-4 per meal |
| Homestyle Sampler | Rotating plate featuring seasonal items at discounted rate | 15-20% off |
| Country Dinner Plates | Value combinations with multiple sides | $8.99-10.99 |
| Kids Eat Free Nights | Children’s meals complimentary with adult entree purchase (select locations) | $5.99+ per child |
Seasonal Promotions
Cracker Barrel launches major promotional campaigns aligned with holidays and seasons:
- Spring: Easter menu specials, fresh fruit additions, spring vegetables featured
- Summer: Heat n’ Serve family meal deals, outdoor dining promotions
- Fall: Harvest menu with pumpkin and autumn-themed items, Thanksgiving heat n’ serve meals
- Winter: Holiday offerings, gift card bonus promotions, comfort food specials
Heat N’ Serve Family Meal Deals
One of the most cost-effective options for families is Cracker Barrel’s Heat n’ Serve meals. These take-home family dinners serve 4-6 people and cost significantly less per person than dining in.
| Family Meal | Serves | Price Range | Per Person Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestyle Chicken | 4-5 people | $39.99-44.99 | $8-11 |
| Country Fried Turkey | 6-8 people | $79.99-89.99 | $10-15 |
| Sugar Cured Ham | 6-8 people | $79.99-89.99 | $10-15 |
| Thanksgiving Dinner | 8-10 people | $119.99-139.99 | $12-17 |
These meals include entree, sides, biscuits or cornbread, and typically dessert. Ordering online often provides additional discounts or free delivery above minimum purchase amounts.
Gift Card Bonus Promotions
Cracker Barrel regularly offers gift card incentive programs, particularly during November and December. These promotions typically provide bonus cards with gift card purchases:
Common Bonus Structures:
- Spend $50 in gift cards, receive $10 bonus card
- Spend $100 in gift cards, receive $20 bonus card
- Bonus cards valid for specific redemption periods (usually January-March)
This effectively provides a 20% discount on future meals when purchasing gift cards during promotional periods.
Senior and Military Discounts
While not advertised nationally, many Cracker Barrel locations offer special discounts:
Senior Discounts:
- Typically 10% off for guests 55+ or AARP members
- Varies by location
- Usually available Monday-Thursday
- Must present valid ID or AARP card
Military Discounts:
- Available at participating locations
- Generally 10% off with valid military ID
- Applies to active duty, veterans, and military family members
- May have day-of-week restrictions
Always inquire at your local restaurant as franchise policies vary.
App-Exclusive Offers
The Cracker Barrel mobile app delivers exclusive deals unavailable to non-members:
- Welcome bonus (typically $5 off first order)
- Push notifications for limited-time flash sales
- Mobile order discounts (10-15% off)
- Birthday month rewards
- Anniversary rewards for long-term members
- Skip-the-wait seating priority
Maximizing Rewards Earnings
Strategic approaches can accelerate rewards accumulation:
- Stack Discounts: Combine rewards program points earning with senior/military discounts when applicable. Points still accumulate on discounted purchases.
- Gift Card Strategy: Purchase bonus gift cards during promotional periods, then use those cards for purchases while still earning rewards points.
- Large Party Orders: Designate one rewards member to pay for group meals, accumulating maximum points in single account.
- Retail Purchases: Points earned on Old Country Store retail items at same rate as food. Holiday shopping at Cracker Barrel stores accelerates rewards earning.
- Family Accounts: While each person needs individual accounts, families dining together can rotate who pays to distribute rewards across multiple accounts.
Email and Text Sign-Up Bonuses
Beyond the standard rewards program, Cracker Barrel maintains separate communication channels with exclusive offers:
- Email newsletter subscribers receive special coupons
- Text message alerts provide flash deals and limited-time promotions
- First-time text subscribers typically receive immediate discount code
- Frequency: 2-4 promotional messages per month
Third-Party Discount Opportunities
Additional savings sources outside Cracker Barrel’s direct channels:
- Restaurant.com: Discount certificates for Cracker Barrel locations (typically $25 certificates for $10)
- Groupon: Occasional Cracker Barrel gift card deals or meal vouchers
- Credit Card Dining Programs: Some credit cards offer bonus points or cash back at restaurants including Cracker Barrel
- Entertainment Books: Local coupon books sometimes include Cracker Barrel offers
Rewards Program Limitations
Understanding program restrictions prevents disappointment:
- Points expire after 12 months of account inactivity
- Rewards certificates expire 60 days after issue
- Cannot combine multiple reward certificates in single transaction at most locations
- Rewards not valid on alcohol purchases where served
- Points earned on pre-tax, pre-tip amount
- Minimum purchase requirements may apply for certain rewards redemption
Online Ordering Discounts
Ordering through the Cracker Barrel app or website often provides cost advantages:
- Waived delivery fees for orders above minimum thresholds
- Exclusive online-only menu bundles
- Reduced wait times with curbside pickup
- Ability to apply digital coupons before checkout
- Order ahead specials (10% off select items)
Best Times to Find Deals
Predictable deal cycles help with planning:
| Time Period | Typical Deals & Promotions |
|---|---|
| Monthly | First week of month often features new promotional launches |
| Weekly | Sunday-Tuesday typically see weekday specials |
| Holiday Weekends | Major promotions around Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day |
| November-December | Gift card bonuses peak during holiday season |
| January-February | Post-holiday promotions to drive traffic during slower months |
Conclusion
Cracker Barrel Deals & Rewards provide substantial savings opportunities for regular customers. The combination of loyalty program points, seasonal promotions, Heat n’ Serve family meals, gift card bonuses, and strategic use of mobile app offers can reduce dining costs by 15-30% annually. Success requires actively monitoring available deals, maintaining rewards program membership, and timing purchases to coincide with promotional periods. By implementing these strategies, guests enjoy Cracker Barrel’s comfort food while maximizing value on every visit.