It might not be the most romantic setting in the world, but Cracker Barrel has become a go-to destination for countless couples seeking a night out and some old-fashioned country cooking. Now there is an even bigger incentive for fans to make the restaurant chain a part of their relationships.
For a limited time, anyone interested in becoming engaged at a Cracker Barrel location could score free meals for a year.
Couples who get engaged at Cracker Barrel could win free food for a year: https://t.co/izei0aleh6 @CrackerBarrel pic.twitter.com/WdFbGJ8yZU
— Local 12/WKRC-TV (@Local12) February 6, 2023
The chain announced the unique contest on Instagram this week, explaining that it will be open to any couple that shares a proposal story on the account between Feb. 10 and 16. According to the rules, the proposal does not have to occur next week, which opens eligibility up to anyone who became engaged at a Cracker Barrel in the past.
Announcing the Valentine’s Day-themed promotion, the restaurant urged couples: “If you love them, & you love homestyle dishes, put a ring on it!”
While some detractors were put off by the thought of proposing marriage — or receiving a proposal — at the casual eatery, other Instagram users were clearly intrigued.
As one commenter wrote: “If my future husband doesn’t propose here, it’s over.”
The fine print explained that the grand prize does not technically offer unlimited free meals for a year but instead provides gift cards totaling $2,000. According to the estimated $35 cost of a typical dinner for two, Cracker Barrel rounded up from its calculation that $1,820 would pay for one date night each week for the winners.
In order to qualify for the prize, a video of the proposal must be uploaded to Instagram during the aforementioned time frame and include the hashtags “ISaidYesAtCrackerBarrel and #Contest as well as a tag of the chain’s official account.
Participants must also include a statement explaining why they chose to include the restaurant in their engagement story.
According to a survey by Hitched, couples ranked “during a romantic meal” as the third most popular occasion for a proposal, ranking behind vacations and birthdays.
Those who either missed their opportunity to take part or are not interested in staging a proposal at Cracker Barrel can take advantage of a separate Valentine’s Day deal and receive a free dessert with the purchase of two qualifying entrees.
