With its Southern charm and fluffy biscuits, Cracker Barrel provides an authentic atmosphere for its chain of combined country-cooking restaurants and old-fashioned general stores. The first Cracker Barrel was opened in 1969 by Dan Evins in Lebanon, Tennessee, to attract highway travelers.

Cracker Barrel now operates 635 locations and ranks first in value as one the most affordable chains on our list, with an average guest check of only $9.96. Customers flock to the popular chicken n’ dumplings and country fried steak, accompanied by sides like turnip greens, fried okra, and mashed potatoes with gravy.