Rockers Across America Comes to Arlington: Veteran-Tribute Rocking Chairs on Display Through Nov. 30, Free Pancakes on Veterans Day

ARLINGTON — The front porch is the exhibit. Cracker Barrel's Rockers Across America collection — four custom-designed rocking chairs painted as tributes to veterans and military families — is on display from Monday, Nov. 9 through Nov. 30 at the chain's Arlington location, 1251 N Watson Rd, one of only 10 stores in the country hosting the traveling installation, the company announced Monday in partnership with America250, the national Semiquincentennial organization.

The four chairs were painted by artists Victoria Barnhill and Emma Gilbert, each from a real service story: "The Guardians," ringed with oaks and yellow ribbons for the families who wait; "The Aviator," honoring Glenn Carr, a 91-year-old Army veteran; "Grandma's Cookin'," drawn from Gilbert's own family history; and "Serving Others," honoring Mike Madden, a former Marine who spent 16 years as a company district manager. "The front porch has always been at the heart of the Cracker Barrel experience," chief marketing officer Sarah Moore said. "It's where people slow down, gather together and share stories." Visitors can also enter a sweepstakes through Nov. 30 for a chance to win one of the chairs, and the company's foundation is giving $100,000 to the Gary Sinise Foundation's homebuilding program for severely wounded veterans.

The porch visit pairs with a plate on Wednesday. On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the company continues its annual tradition: all veterans and active-duty military receive a complimentary Sunrise Pancake Special — dine-in only, proof of military service required, while supplies last. For the Metroplex's large veteran community, the Arlington stop is the region's one chance to see the collection in person before the roadshow wraps at month's end.