Summary (tl;dr)

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. has sold its Maple Street Biscuit Company fast-casual chain to Kentucky-based Biscuit Belly, leading to the conversion of 35 locations and the closure of 16 others.

Essential Background

Maple Street Biscuit Company was founded in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2012, quickly gaining popularity for its Southern comfort food. In October 2019, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. acquired the chain for $36 million, with plans for expansion. However, Cracker Barrel later began downsizing the chain to focus on its core business.

The Full Story

On July 20, 2026, Cracker Barrel announced the sale of Maple Street Biscuit Company to Biscuit Belly, a gourmet biscuit sandwich concept based in Louisville, Kentucky. As part of the deal, Biscuit Belly will acquire 35 Maple Street locations and convert them to its brand over the next 18 to 24 months, with initial conversions beginning in the greater Cincinnati area and Richmond, Virginia. The remaining 16 Maple Street locations will be permanently closed.

Why It Matters

This sale marks Cracker Barrel's complete exit from the fast-casual biscuit concept, allowing the company to sharpen its focus on its primary restaurant brand and improve profitability. For Biscuit Belly, the acquisition significantly expands its footprint, nearly tripling its current number of restaurants and accelerating its goal of becoming a major gourmet biscuit chain in the U.S. Customers of Maple Street Biscuit Company can expect a transition to the Biscuit Belly brand, featuring a new menu and dining experience at converted locations.

Geographic Location

• Jacksonville, Florida, United States (founding location of Maple Street Biscuit Company)
• Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, United States (headquarters of Maple Street Biscuit Company prior to sale)
• Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky, United States (headquarters of Biscuit Belly, the acquiring company)
• Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio, United States (one of the first areas where Maple Street locations will convert to Biscuit Belly)
• Richmond, Virginia, United States (one of the first areas where Maple Street locations will convert to Biscuit Belly)
• San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, United States (some Maple Street locations closing, one converting to Biscuit Belly)