For 23 years, Jim’s Cracker Barrel has been offering the same products as large grocery chains, but with more convenience, no lines and familiar, friendly faces.
Rich Walker has been running the business for a decade now, taking over from his parents, Alleshia and Richard. Walker grew up in the community, always in the store after school, and now knows about 40-50 percent of his customers by name, having watched many of them grow up.
‘They’re like friends,? Walker says. ‘I like my job because the employees and customers are good to me. I enjoy being with them on a daily basis.?
Jim’s Cracker Barrel has 10-12 employees depending on the season, and some of them have been at the store for 10-15 years. They are dependable, like the store itself. Jim’s Cracker Barrel carries thousands of items in the spacious store in addition to the expansive selection of food, including baby items, auto supplies, detergents, and a health and beauty section.
At the butcher counter, customers get meat that is cut on site and can be cut to specifications with notice.
The deli offers a wide selection of meats and cheeses, cold salads and dips. Hot items include lasagna, hamburgers, fried chicken, chili, soups, hot dogs, pepper steak and mashed potatoes and gravy. Finish off a delicious meal with fresh brownies or a pie.
Jim’s Cracker Barrel offers fresh fruits and vegetables in a produce section and a dairy department and frozen food section round out the store.
‘If people come in and look at the produce, meat and dairy, they will see we are just as competitive as other stores,? Walker says.
Jim’s Cracker Barrel accepts manufacturer’s coupons, too, as well as WIC and food stamps.
Customers can get their prescriptions filled while they shop. Fax and copy machines are available for customer use and lottery tickets and money orders are sold at the market.
New this year at Jim’s Cracker Barrel are cellular and pre-paid phone cards for purchase. The market has also doubled their selection of wines.
Walker’s long-term goals include building a new plaza on adjacent property, doubling the current shopping center’s retail space. Jim’s Cracker Barrel would receive a new spot there, staying in the area and serving customers for years to come.Customer service is what it’s all about for Walker and he loves the community.
‘I just want to take care of the customers,? he says. ‘The people here are friendly and you don’t have the hustle and bustle of bigger cities.?