I solved my Cracker Barrel problem years ago. I don't eat there

[Wonder Why]

8. I patronize the "calendar places". Read about them in the book "Blue Highways" a lifetime

ago. Blue Highways are the back roads that are blue on maps. Remember printed maps?

In any case, the calendar places are those local small local restaurants that have one or more calendars on the wall. The more calendars, the better the place per the author.

Ever since then, we actively seek out local, non-chain restaurants even if we have to take the freeway but usually we take those blue highways as we prefer roads where you can turn around if there is a backup, the scenery consists of more than big trucks, speeding gas-guzzling pickups and other cars, and one can see life.

Places like Joe's Cafe, Mary's Eats, Howard's Drive-In Burgers, minority owned places and other local sounding names. We avoid going to chains, especially fast food ones as they are only good for a pit stop, not a place to eat.