<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF CRACKER BARREL FOR THE 9 MONTHS ENDED APRIL 26, 1996,
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                           AUG-2-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JUL-29-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               APR-26-1996
<CASH>                                          23,673
<SECURITIES>                                     6,608
<RECEIVABLES>                                    3,284
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     57,181
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                96,583
<PP&E>                                         668,955
<DEPRECIATION>                                 120,820
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 646,012
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           73,779
<BONDS>                                         15,500
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        30,255
<OTHER-SE>                                     514,395
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   646,012
<SALES>                                        661,074
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               661,074
<CGS>                                          228,249
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  321,221
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                39,523
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 268
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 73,516
<INCOME-TAX>                                    27,936
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             45,580
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    45,580
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .75
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .75