What The Stars On Cracker Barrel Aprons Mean

When you can’t get the family around your home table, nothing is more synonymous with Southern home cooking than gathering for a meal at Cracker Barrel. From walking into the country store to playing the peg game at the table, the Cracker Barrel experience is truly one-of-a-kind – and so are the people who work there.

Anyone who has dined at Cracker Barrel likely noticed their server wearing an apron, some with bright golden stars, others with single stars, and a few with no stars.

So, what do the stars on Cracker Barrel employee’s mean? The stars represent an employee’s level of achievement and tenure within Cracker Barrel.

“The iconic gold stars seen on our team members' aprons and hats represent something much deeper than what meets the eye,” a spokesperson for Cracker Barrel tells Southern Living. “Cracker Barrel’s mission is pleasing people and that includes taking care of the people who take care of our guests. We’re committed to continuously learning, and that includes having employees participate in a unique training and development program, the Personal Achievement Responsibility system or, ‘PAR.’ ”

The PAR program is designed around supporting employee development and understanding of the four core values of the Cracker Barrel employee experience: belonging, responsibility, team, and mission.

What The Stars On Cracker Barrel Aprons Mean

The stars on Cracker Barrel employee aprons represent the level of achievement reached through participating in the PAR program. There are four levels of the PAR program, and an employee earns a star upon completion of each level. 

One of the most common misconceptions by guests is that the number of stars on an employee’s uniform equates only to how long they’ve worked at Cracker Barrel.

“This is not the case,” a spokesperson for Cracker Barrel emphasizes. “Participation in the PAR program is an individual choice and can be completed at an individual’s own pace after a specific time in position. We take great pride in the program and so do our team members.”

Can Employees Earn Stars For Their Apron?

Employees can earn up to four stars on their apron. Team members who don’t wear an apron, like a grill cook, earn stars on their hats. 

“An employee begins the program as a Rising Star,” a spokesperson for Cracker Barrel explains. “Once an employee reaches level two of the PAR program, they earn a special apron with their stars and name embroidered on it. After completing each level an employee also earns a special diploma recognizing their achievement.”

Where Did The Star Tradition Come From?

The tradition of having employees earn stars started in the early 1980s with Cracker Barrel founder, Dan Evins. Evins recognized the complexities of having both a restaurant and retail store in one and the challenges management teams faced running the business. 

“His goal was to provide employees with a program that would aid in their professional development by enhancing individual technical and leadership skills, allowing them to confidently support our store, restaurant, and retail managers,” a spokesperson for Cracker Barrel says.

The spokesperson adds that Cracker Barrel's PAR program and gold star achievements are ingrained in the company's culture and represent an "iconic" aspect of the brand.

"When an employee earns a gold star today, it’s just as meaningful and celebrated with just as much excitement as it was when the program was founded decades ago," the spokesperson says.