A barrel of fun as eatery prepared to open

Posted to: Food Restaurants Spotlight
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The Virginian-Pilot
© November 19, 2009

WESTERN BRANCH

Close your eyes and imagine a nice plate of chicken and dumplings. Can't you just smell it now? If you love country cooking, you'll want to eat at the new Cracker Barrel Old Country Store near Lowe's. The white rocking chairs are out front, just like they're supposed to be.

The company's store-opening supervisor, Joyce Dash, and retail-opening supervisor Paula Pate were on hand with general manager Bobby Patel and manager Alex Bailey for training more than 200 new employees. You could feel the enthusiasm in the air as waiters and waitresses practiced taking orders and seating diners.

"The community is so excited about us here, especially Lowe's. This is our third location in Chesapeake. We're also in Greenbrier and Edinburgh," Joyce said.

Joyce said the people's favorites are chicken and dumplings and the Coca-Cola cake.

"Cracker Barrel will be serving the complete holiday dinner on Thanksgiving. We'll start selling our homemade pies on opening day," Joyce said.

If you're eating a low-carbohydrate diet, there's an entire menu section dedicated to that. For vegetarians, there are four choices of vegetable plate.

The dining area is nostalgic with old-time signs and rustic tools hanging everywhere.

And a stroll through the gift shop proves inspiring, especially this close to the holidays. Candles, coffee, clothing, collectibles and Christmas decor are displayed.

Phyllis Johnson, pjwriter@aol.com

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Cracker Barrel???

Submitted by johnk on Tue, 11/24/2009 at 7:54 am.

With all of the independents struggling to survive it is a shame that the Pilot chose a chain restaurant to advertise for free. Why not put your backing behind locals and their local money which they keep in the state????

Actually

Submitted by Olivia.Hubert-Allen on Tue, 11/24/2009 at 11:39 am.

If you look through our archive, you will find hundreds of stories on local businesses from just this year alone. Here's an example from yesterday: http://hamptonroads.com/2009/11/familyowned-bakery-holds-lot-sweet-memories#comment-810277

Olivia Hubert-Allen - the moderation team

HORRIBLE service.

Submitted by psw27 on Thu, 11/19/2009 at 9:50 pm.

Terrible service. 15 minutes after being seated - NO ONE had come by to take drink orders or even say 'be with you in a minute' even though several waiters walked right by our table. Got up and left. No one cares about customer service anymore and Cracker Barrell proves it again.

Good eating

Submitted by genes23286 on Thu, 11/19/2009 at 9:26 pm.

Had breakfast when they first opened. All you could want for a meal.
7 pieces of china, eggs the size of a quarter, but a good helping
of grits, gravy, biscuits, hash browns, the usual condiments, etc.
Price $6.39. Down side, $1.69 for coffee. Great service, nice people.

lil eggs

Submitted by jfr on Mon, 11/23/2009 at 10:18 pm.

The size of a quarter? WOW, that's a tiny egg, small chickens I guess. Wouldn't want to order chicken there either then.

Yummm

Submitted by Marie Arnold on Thu, 11/19/2009 at 8:29 pm.

'Went there last night...SO good! Waitress and other staff were great, love all the neat things in their store. Had to wait about 20 min...was busy even on a Wed night!

Pleasant experience...Ports. Blvd near Lowes OVER the freeway after Chesa. Square. Next to new Gold's Gym...

Think Again

Submitted by CrazyTedVB on Thu, 11/19/2009 at 5:03 pm.

Actually, they edited the article. Originally it said that a new Cracker Barrel had opened in Portsmouth. There was a small note underneath that said Western Branch. Then the article states near a Lowe's in Western Branch. Gee, how about a street and maybe an address or something in the original article. I remember being taught in high school: Who, What, Where, When, and sometimes Why. Guess they missed a few of those things....

What about Virginia Beach?

Submitted by 300 on Thu, 11/19/2009 at 4:33 pm.

Cracker Barrel should take a good look at their current locations in Hampton Roads, then realize that the next location should be located in Virginia Beach. As with any buisness, location, median income, population and demographics play an important part in the decision making process. I love Cracker Barrel, You used to have to get on the interstate and go for a trip in order to find one. Guess I still have to get on the interstate to enjoy the country cooking. Build one in Va. Beach soon!