Cracker Barrel Announces – The Alan Jackson Collection

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store^® will take an important step forward with its music merchandising program with the introduction of The Alan Jackson Collection, a 40+ piece assortment of lifestyle items created in conjunction with megastar Alan Jackson and available only at Cracker Barrel beginning November 2. The popular restaurant and retail concept has been growing its business as a non-traditional music retailer since 2003, and is setting a new standard by developing this extensive assortment of high quality merchandise to appeal to Cracker Barrel guests, many of whom are already Alan Jackson fans.

The Alan Jackson Collection features menswear and womenswear, food items, collectibles, an Alan Jackson Signature Rocker and other exclusive items (see full list below) including a CD. SONGS OF LOVE AND HEARTACHE includes two previously unreleased songs, "That’s What I’d Be Like Without You,” and "Nothing Sure Looked Good On You,” as well as 10 other songs, including such hits as "Here in the Real World,” "Livin On Love,” and "Remember When.”

PRODUCT PHOTOS: http://www.dbaronmedia.com/alan-jackson-photos-media.html

The Alan Jackson Collection is the first time Cracker Barrel has developed a complete line of merchandise around a star. Jackson was completely involved in the creation of the collection. He personally reviewed and approved all 40+ items and advised Cracker Barrel on what he thought might appeal to his fans. The collection is truly a reflection of his personal lifestyle centered on country heritage and family connections. The country music singer and songwriter is well-known for his songs that tell of universal truths by recounting honest, individual stories that resonate for many people as if they were their own tales. That same attention to detail is apparent in every item in this collection.

"I grew up in the South, so Cracker Barrel has been a part of my family since I was a young man,” says Alan Jackson. "I was really flattered when they came to me with the idea of working together to create a collection for their country store, and I’ve been very impressed with the variety and quality of the items that we have put together. I think my fans and their families will appreciate everything in the collection.”

At the centerpiece of The Alan Jackson Collection is the exclusive Alan Jackson Signature Rocker, a piece of fine quality furniture. Reflecting the earth tones that Alan favors, this solid hardwood rocker is made of Dutch Spruce logs harvested in Maine and hand-assembled in Tennessee. The Danish Walnut finish offers warmth to a room’s décor. The Alan Jackson Signature Rocker has oversized posts for durability and is nailed and glued at the joints for extra strength. Alan’s authentic signature is engraved in the headrest. Each rocker is numbered as part of a limited edition of 1,700.

The Alan Jackson Collection also includes many functional, stylish items such as mugs, candles and decorative throws to warm the different rooms in a home and for all the people in the family. The collection includes jewelry, shirts, and hats that have been crafted out of materials favored by Alan such as suede, leather, and cotton. All items have been designed to meet Alan’s personal taste, and his requirement for high quality standards and good, old-fashioned comfort!

"Cracker Barrel has been focused for several years on providing our guests with great musical offerings that they can get only at our stores and this expansion into a complete, high quality, exclusive line of merchandise associated with Alan Jackson’s lifestyle is a great next step,” says Peter Keiser, Cracker Barrel’s Vice President of Marketing. "The Alan Jackson Collection is a good way for Cracker Barrel to connect with our guests, and for our guests to connect with Alan.”

Since 2003, Cracker Barrel has featured a music program that offers exclusive CDs by some of country music’s most popular artists. Earlier this year, Cracker Barrel added to the CD offerings when it worked with Dolly Parton to offer a Dolly-pink version of its signature rocking chair and an exclusive photo album that became one of Cracker Barrel’s best-selling books ever. With the launch of The Alan Jackson Collection, Cracker Barrel takes music merchandising to a new level, one that will provide a great variety of quality products for guests to consider and enjoy.

Cracker Barrel’s impressive exclusive music program features numerous projects, including the September release of an exclusive new version of The Foundation by the Zac Brown Band, which contained three previously unreleased live tracks. That followed August’s George Jones release of A Collection Of My Best Recollection, May’s release of Montgomery Gentry’s For Our Heroes, which debuted at #5 on Billboard magazine’s Top Country Album Chart, and March’s release of Dolly Parton’s Collectors’ Edition of Backwoods Barbie, which debuted at #9 on that chart. The series also includes a number of exclusive releases in 2008 - November’s release of Bill Gaither’s Homecoming Hymns, the August release of Kenny Rogers: 50 Years, the July release of Ricky Skaggs’ The High Notes and the April release of Aaron Tippin’s He Believed. Over the last few years, Cracker Barrel has also released exclusive CDs featuring, among others, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Josh Turner, Amy Grant, Sara Evans, and Charlie Daniels.

About Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® restaurants provide a friendly home-away-from-home in its old country stores and restaurants. Guests are cared for like family while relaxing and enjoying real home-style food and shopping that’s surprisingly unique, genuinely fun and reminiscent of America’s country heritage…all at a fair price. The restaurant serves up delicious, home-style country food such as meatloaf and homemade chicken n’ dumplins as well as its signature biscuits using an old family recipe. The authentic old country retail store is fun to shop and offers unique gifts and self-indulgences.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBRL) was established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tenn. and operates 591 company-owned locations in 41 states. Every Cracker Barrel unit is open seven days a week with hours Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. For more information, visit: crackerbarrel.com.

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