Cracker Barrel Gets Liquor License For Bensalem Township Location

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —Cracker Barrel is getting a liquor license as the national chain moves to add beer, wine, and cocktails as a limited menu addition across its Pennsylvania restaurants.

Representatives of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store appeared before the Bensalem Township Council at Monday's meeting to request a liquor license transfer so it can begin the offerings at its location on 3611 Horizon Boulevard near the new Raising Cane's eatery, which opened earlier this week.

The council approved the ordinance unanimously to transfer the liquor license from Slide Tom's Bristol LLC —which officials said is no longer in business —to CBOCS Pennsylvania, LLC. Cracker Barrels are company-owned and not franchised, restaurant representatives said.

Attorney Ken McDermott told the council that Cracker Barrel has a "very consistent product" nationwide and that anyone who walks into the restaurant should expect the same menu and atmosphere, whether in Pennsylvania or Georgia.

"There's a consistent level in appearance across its stores," he said. "You walk into a location and it's a consistent brand."

Council members expressed interest in the fact that the chain, known for its wholesome family image, homestyle menu, and nostalgia-influenced merchandise, would consider selling alcohol.

"You may be a little surprised," McDermott said. "Customer feedback across the board said that it would be nice to have beer or a glass of wine or cocktail with dinner."

He said that Cracker Barrels throughout the country have already gone through the liquor license process and are approved for alcohol sales.

He added that Pennsylvania is at the "end of the rollout" and that there are no Cracker Barrels with a liquor license in Pennsylvania at this time.

While that service may start, it will be limited, McDermott assured council members.

"I want to emphasize that it's a very limited alcohol menu," he said. "We're not going to turn it into a sports bar. It's going to compliment the existing menu or options most customers know."

All of the alcohol will be pre-packaged and the restaurant will not feature any live music or change its hours of operation just because it will serve alcohol. There is also no need to "add tables or tear down walls" to accommodate the liquor service, he said.

"The store will appear exactly the same, the same footprint we have is what is in place," McDermott said.

He added that while the initial plan is to have "on-site consumption" and no takeout of alcohol, the restaurant's liquor license allows for the sale of six-packs as part of the state's liquor code.