Name Dan Evins | ||
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Died January 14, 2012, Lebanon, Tennessee, United States | ||
Danny Wood "Dan" Evins (October 11, 1935 – January 14, 2012) was an American entrepreneur and co-founder of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, a Southern-themed restaurant chain. As of January 2012, Cracker Barrel had more than 67,000 employees working in more than 600 restaurants in 42 U.S. states.
Evins was born in Smithville, Tennessee, on October 11, 1935. He enlisted in the US Army, served in Korea in the Corps of Engineers and attended Auburn University. Evins also worked as an aide for his uncle, U.S. Rep. Joseph L. Evins, before taking a position with his family's oil company.
Evins co-founded Cracker Barrel in 1969 while he was working for Shell Oil. He opened the first restaurant in Lebanon, Tennessee, on Tennessee State Route 109. He borrowed $40,000 to construct the first Cracker Barrel, which turned a profit just one month after opening.
Evins was the chief executive officer (CEO) of Cracker Barrel from its founding in 1969 to 2001, and as chairman of the board from 2001 until his retirement in 2004.
Dan Evins died on January 14, 2012, at his daughter's home in Lebanon, Tennessee, at the age of 76.
