Cracker Barrel is at the center of the latest internet storm because the chain said it would start serving Impossible sausage. Many commenters have spoken out against this decision.
The addition of the plant-based option does not mean that pork or turkey sausage will no longer be available. In fact, many restaurants, including Burger King, have had great success by providing the meatless option. But that’s little comfort to protesters, who howl the restaurant has gone “woke. ”.
It is important to note that the people who are complaining the most online may or may not be Cracker Barrel customers. If they are, they don’t seem to have been paying much attention to how the chain works.
In the 1990s and 2000s, the chain was known for discriminating against gay workers, firing them in 1991 for not having “normal heterosexual values.” But in recent years, it has been a leader in the movement to include everyone.
In 2019, the company took a strong stand against discrimination by not letting anti-LGBTQ Knoxville pastor Grayson Fritts and his church members use a Tennessee Cracker Barrel as a place to meet.
“For many reasons, we think it’s very important to create this environment for our employees,” a Cracker Barrel spokeswoman told the Knoxville News Sentinel at the time. “The guest experience should never exceed the employee experience, because our success begins with the employee experience. ”.
When CEO Sandra Cochran took over in 2011, the chain got a score of 35 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. By 2022, it had a score of 80.
The business said on Facebook in June of last year that it had been on “a journey of improvement and understanding.” It also said that the Cracker Barrel dining room is a place where people of all ages, races, genders, ethnicities, walks of life, political views, and sexual orientations can come together and feel at home. ”.
Like the recent announcement of plant-based sausage, that statement led to protests from some self-described customers. But in its most recent earnings report, the company said it made over $790 million, which is almost a 2011 per cent increase from the previous year. Comparable store restaurant sales were up 10. 9%.
For its part, Cracker Barrel is choosing to focus on the positives. Fortune was given a statement about how people felt about its new meatless options. It said, “We appreciate the love our fans have for our all-day breakfast menu.” At Cracker Barrel, we’re always looking for ways to improve our customers’ breakfast experiences and give them more options, so they can choose from classics like bacon and sausage or try something new, like Impossible Sausage, which is made from plants. ”.
Cracker Barrel has been serving up delicious homestyle breakfasts for over 50 years. Their all-day breakfast menu features classics like pancakes, eggs, grits, and of course – sausage. But if you prefer turkey sausage over pork, you may be wondering – what brand does Cracker Barrel use?
In this article, we’ll take a look at the evolution of Cracker Barrel’s breakfast sausage offerings and reveal the details on their turkey sausage supplier. Whether you’re a loyal CB fan or just enjoy a hearty breakfast, read on to learn more!
A Staple of Cracker Barrel’s Famous Breakfast
It’s hard to think of Cracker Barrel without imagining their hearty country breakfast spread. Hefty portions of eggs, grits, biscuits and gravy have been bringing customers in since they first opened in 1969. And a key player on that menu has always been their savory sausage.
Initially, Cracker Barrel relied on pork-based sausage to round out their breakfast plates. Sausage has remained a staple over the years, even as the menu expanded to include healthier options like egg white omelets, yogurt parfaits and multi-grain pancakes.
But in response to rising demand for turkey alternatives, Cracker Barrel began introducing new turkey sausage products while still keeping its signature pork version on the menu.
The Addition of Turkey Sausage to the Menu
Cracker Barrel debuted its turkey breakfast sausage links in 1993 as a lighter protein option. While pork sausage had a hearty, seasoned flavor the turkey links offered a comparable taste while cutting a significant amount of fat and sodium. Turkey soon grew into a popular alternative for health-conscious diners.
A few years later in 1996, Cracker Barrel rolled out Turkey Sausage Patties to complement the existing links. The patties provided a different shape and texture while still delivering on flavor. Whether guests preferred links or patties, turkey sausage was now a menu fixture alongside the traditional pork.
Cracker Barrel’s Long-Running Relationship with Purnell’s
While Cracker Barrel was quick to add turkey sausage to their breakfast lineup, they certainly didn’t rush into choosing the supplier. In fact, the brand they landed on in 1993 continues to be their source for turkey sausage over 25 years later.
That trusted partner is Purnell’s Old Folks Country Sausage from North Carolina. Though less widely known than national brands like Jimmy Dean or Bob Evans, Purnell’s has established itself as a premier maker of quality pork and turkey sausage. They’ve been crafting award-winning Southern-style sausage since 1975.
According to Purnell’s company history, Cracker Barrel co-founder Danny Evins sampled their product in 1976 and was won over by the taste. He decided to feature Purnell’s sausage on the menu, and it’s been there ever since. Even as the chain expands into new markets, they continue using Purnell’s to maintain quality and consistency.
Over the years, Purnell’s has returned the loyalty by creating products specifically for Cracker Barrel, including a limited-edition Country Sausage Squares offering for Cracker Barrel’s 50th anniversary.
What Sets Purnell’s Turkey Sausage Apart
Cracker Barrel chose the Purnell’s brand for a reason – it represents the authentic homestyle flavor they want to put on guests’ plates. But what makes their turkey sausage so special?
Carefully Sourced Turkey
Purnell’s turkey sausage starts with high-quality turkey breast sourced from farmers they know and trust. They combine light and dark turkey meat to achieve the ideal fat content. This gives the sausage moisture and flavor.
Special Seasonings
A unique blend of spices and other natural flavors goes into Purnell’s sausage that isn’t found in other major turkey sausage brands. This proprietary seasoning mix provides signature savory flavor.
No Artificial Ingredients
You won’t find any artificial flavors, colors or preservatives in Purnell’s turkey sausage. Only natural spices and ingredients are used to create the genuine Southern taste.
Handmade Process
From raw turkey to finished links, Purnell’s sausage is carefully made by hand in small batches. This artisanal approach ensures a high quality, consistent product every time.
Customer Reactions to Purnell’s Turkey Sausage
Based on online reviews, Purnell’s turkey sausage has been a big hit with Cracker Barrel guests over the years. Many are pleased that it offers the classic CB breakfast sausage flavor they love – just in a healthier turkey format.
Customers frequently describe the turkey links and patties as moist and flavorful. The texture manages to be firm yet tender. The spices come through but aren’t overpowering. Guests also comment that the turkey sausage tastes fresher compared to others.
Some reviewers say they actually prefer the Purnell’s turkey over pork sausage options. And for those wanting to limit fat or sodium at breakfast, this turkey sausage satisfies without sacrificing taste.
Of course, there are also some mixed reviews from guests who still consider pork the superior sausage. But overall, Cracker Barrel’s loyal patrons are thrilled that Purnell’s turkey sausage provides a tasty and healthier alternative.
The Future of Cracker Barrel’s Breakfast Sausage Menu
While Cracker Barrel found its breakfast sausage match early on with Purnell’s, the menu continues evolving to meet changing tastes. They’ve added new options like Impossible sausage patties and chicken chorizo to appeal to trends like plant-based diets.
But even with these new choices popping up, staples like Purnell’s pork and turkey sausage remain tied to Cracker Barrel’s identity. The relationship shows no signs of changing anytime soon.
Cracker Barrel will surely keep innovating their breakfast offerings. But to stay true to their roots, expect to still find Purnell’s sausage on the menu for the next 50 years and beyond. Because a hearty, homestyle Cracker Barrel breakfast just isn’t complete without it!
So next time you stop by your local CB for a down-home breakfast, try a batch of Purnell’s turkey sausage. You’ll get delicious flavor with fewer calories and less fat, thanks to their carefully crafted sausage recipe perfected over decades of partnership. For Cracker Barrel fans, it’s truly the gold standard breakfast meat.
Cracker Barrel Country Fried Turkey: Happy Thanksgiving!
FAQ
What brand sausage does Cracker Barrel use?
Does Cracker Barrel sell turkey sausage?
Did Cracker Barrel change their sausage?
What’s a good turkey sausage?
Does Cracker Barrel have Country Sausage?
Among the foods you should be ordering at Cracker Barrel, the establishment’s breakfast meats are not only tasty but also reliable. Sure enough, Cracker Barrel has been sourcing its country sausage from Purnell’s for over 40 years to date, including both pork and turkey varieties. What sets Purnell’s country sausage apart is in production.
Is Cracker Barrel turkey sausage patties healthy?
Cracker Barrel Turkey Sausage Patties Nutrition Facts Cracker Barrel Turkey Sausage Patties contains 110 calories, 6 grams of fat and 1 grams of carbohydrates. Let us know what you think! Review the nutrition facts below and then voteon whether you think Turkey Sausage Patties is healthy or not.
Is Purnell sausage good for Cracker Barrel?
Unlike standard commercialized sausage products that may contain some undesirable extras, Purnell’s whole hog sausage often includes all the premium cuts of the animal including shoulders and tenderloins leaving the consistency perfectly moist. What makes the Purnell sausage business a perfect match for Cracker Barrel?
What is the best turkey sausage?
Jennie-O All Natural Turkey Sausage Jennie-O is another turkey specialist with a poultry-based breakfast sausage, and its offering blew Butterball out of the water. This product had none of the textural deficiencies of its competitor and boasted a tight and coarse consistency that was reminiscent of good pork sausage.