Cracker Barrel opens to a steady stream of customers

Owen Chelchowski, center, enjoys checking out the toys at the new Cracker Barrel store Monday as Store Manager Heather Bradley, left, and Store Associate Pam Johnson, right, find delight in him having fun. Staff photo by Amy Banton.

The Aiken Cracker Barrel opened early Monday morning, and the new business had a nice, steady flow of customer traffic throughout the day.

In fact, two men, who identified themselves as Frank and Lloyd, arrived at the restaurant at 2:30 a.m., patiently waiting for the doors to open at 6 a.m., according to Associate Manager John Baker. The two were holding a sign that read, "First in line, first to dine" and were treated to a free breakfast.

General Manager Mark Guy, who arrived at the restaurant around 5 a.m., said that 35 to 50 people arrived for breakfast right when it opened. Those who were waiting to go in before business hours were served coffee and hot chocolate on the porch, Baker added.

Guy said many customers complimented the good service and food.

"We're super relieved that it's open," Guy said. "We all feel really good, and the crew's energy level is very high."

Customers seemed pretty pleased with the new restaurant and their first experience there. Resident Jackie Durden said she was happy to see the new business finally opened, and she enjoyed her breakfast.

"I think it's wonderful," Durden said. "We've wanted this for a long time."

LeAnne Chelchowski and her young son, Owen, grabbed their first meal at the Aiken Cracker Barrel on Monday, saying all of the employees she interacted with were very polite. After eating, they checked out the country store, and Owen tested out a few of the toys.

"I don't think I've ever seen him this excited," she said laughing. "He has just been on top of the world."

Daniel Peterson said that, even though there may be a little more congestion on Whiskey Road, the Cracker Barrel will certainly bring a more life to that area.

"It's just exciting and fun," Peterson said. "It's just kind of a happy place."

More than 600 Cracker Barrel locations are scattered throughout 42 different states. The Aiken location is the 24th Cracker Barrel in South Carolina.

The restaurant and country store, located at 2364 Whiskey Road, was approved by Aiken City Council in December 2010, and construction began in late August.

The new business brought 185 jobs to Aiken.

Amy Banton is the city beat reporter and has been with the Aiken Standard since May 2010. She is a native of Rustburg, Va., and a graduate of Randolph Macon Woman's College.