Cracker Barrel is following the footsteps of other popular food chains by adding low calorie entrees to their menu. Food chains like T.G.I. Fridays, Chili's and Applebees all offer low calorie meals. The company hopes that by adding healthier menu options they will experience a surplus in their sales.

The restaurant opened their first location in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee. Their goal is quite simple; it is to please people. They gained their reputation for providing a friendly home away from home like experience. The original owner, Dan Evins believed meals were not supposed to be swallowed in three bites they were meant to be savored and enjoyed. He saw mealtime as special because it was a time to catch up with family, friends and your thoughts.

The restaurant serves up southern comfort food like corn bread, fried chicken, mashed potatoes along with hearty, stomach satisfying breakfast items. Foods like this might be incredibly delicious however they are high in calories, fat and cholesterol. This is why many customers pass it up and go to places that offer waist conscious menu items. The restaurant is adding lower calorie options in order to boost their sales and attract health conscious individuals.

The new menu will be called Wholesome Fixin's; it will feature breakfast options less than 500 calories and lunch/dinner options less than 600 calories. The menu was created by a registered dietitian and nutritional author. The company's President and CEO stated, ""We're currently testing the category with the expectation of adding it to the menu this summer," 

Some of the upcoming menu options are believed to include, grilled catfish with orange marmalade and a seasoned pecan crust with a serving of roasted vegetables on the side. A baked chicken breast dipped in a buttermilk-blended dressing and coated with seasoned, toasted cornflake crumbs. A breakfast sandwich consisting of whole-wheat flat bread, eggs and Colby cheese, with fresh fruit on the side

All of these alternative options sound quite delicious however will the company be able to compete with others that created a healthier menu first? Getting customers to walk in to the door is all about effective marketing; if they do this they should achieve the revenue they desire.