Lifestyle

Couple in Their 80s Close to Visiting Every Cracker Barrel in America

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Visiting 664 of the 665 Cracker Barrel locations throughout America, Ray Yoder and his wife Wilma started a quest to visit every one of them 40 years ago, and they’re almost complete! At the age of 80, Yoder told NBC’s TODAY, “It’s like being at home.” The couple, who hails from Goshen, Indiana, love visiting Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores, and have traveled over five million miles across the U.S. trying to visit all of the stores in the chain.

Couple in Their 80s Close to Visiting Every Cracker Barrel in America

Photo: Wikimedia

In a story picked up from the Lebanon Democrat, the couple began their journey when Ray worked as a truck driver delivering RVs across America. “[Visiting Cracker Barrel] took the boredom out of being on the road,” he noted. “It has a down-home spirit, and everybody is friendly.” Wilma, his wife, eventually began joining him on his trips, and so goes the rest of the tale. Now they are one store away from seeing absolutely all of them! “It’s a good feeling,” Ray said, acknowledging how he and Wilma have become pseudo-celebrities throughout this journey. “It’s something we’ve followed this long, but it’s gained attention in the last 10 years or so.” In Texas alone, there are 45 of these homey locations!

Couple in Their 80s Close to Visiting Every Cracker Barrel in America

Photo: Wikimedia

They always purchase something when they go to a Cracker Barrel, whether it be a coffee, candy, or food, and always leave a tip. And, they’ve even had requests for pictures when visiting a store. Earlier in July of this year, they attended the opening of a store in Lavonia, Georgia, which leaves only one Cracker Barrel remaining to visit, which is the one in Tualatin, Oregon. And of course, they’ve decided to visit others in the chain as they open. When asked what keeps them coming back, Ray explained, “It’s the same good service and great people wherever you go.” Have you seen the Yoders at your local Cracker Barrel?

References:

NBC’s TODAY

Lebanon Democrat

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store/TX