Dan Evins, Cracker Barrel Founder, Dead at 76
The founder of the famed restaurant chain Cracker Barrel, Dan Evins has died at age 76 on Jan. 14.
Known to many as Danny, his death came after a long battle against cancer in Lebanon, Tenn., said his daughter Betsy Jennings.
In a statement released to The Associated Press following the death, Cracker Barrel Executive Chairman Michael Woodhouse said, "Danny was a straight-shooter and dedicated to authenticity. It was an honor and a responsibility that I took seriously to follow Danny as CEO, and then as chairman when he retired."
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Evins served as CEO of the restaurant and store from 1969 until he retired in 2004. Today, more than 42 states host over 600 Cracker Barrel restaurants.
Woodhouse's statement continued, "Danny was the keeper of this special brand for so many, many years, and he left us with a strong culture that values quality and honesty. He will be missed deeply." Evins leaves behind five children.
The Washington Post reported that Evins, a successful businessman, once gave a description of his restaurant's appeal.
"Most people perceive tourists on the interstate as being mostly one-time customers," Evins said speaking to the publication Restaurant Business in 1987. "We knew that tourists were just creatures of habit."
The friendly country store and restaurant incorporates a home-like, warm atmosphere that includes rocking chairs, barn-style wooden architecture, and family recipes.
Cracker Barrel got its name after customers of country stores would gather to exchange news and play checkers on top of an empty barrel used to transport crackers to the store.
In their mission, Cracker Barrel explains that "some companies pride themselves on long-winded and complicated missions statements," but goes on to explain its humble beginnings.
"The way we see it, our mission is to please people. Nothing more. Nothing less," the mission statement on the official Cracker Barrel website read.
"And if we do that, we have more than a fair chance of success. If everyone who walks in our front door gets a warm welcome and a good meal at a fair price. If they enjoy browsing through our old country store. If everyone who works with us or whom we do business with is treated fairly and with respect. If we do all those things, well, then we figure the business will take care of itself." The statement closed, "And fortunately, so far, it has."
