After several months of anticipation, I was finally able to check out State College’s new Cracker Barrel on its opening day. Located at 215 Colonnade Blvd., there are few surprises at the chain’s new location. With rows of rocking chairs out front, checker boards and a game of peg solitaire at every table, I could have been at any franchise location in the country — not that that’s a bad thing.

Considering many of the restaurant’s 187 employees were working their first shifts, things were running remarkably smoothly. The restaurant was relatively busy for a weekday afternoon in State College, though it was easy enough to get a table. District Manager Brian Perry said the Monday opening was a good chance to get things started at a manageable pace, hoping things pick up as Arts Fest and Football season come around.

As for the food, if you’ve ever been to a Cracker Barrel, you already know what to expect. If you’re looking for something southern you might not find elsewhere in State College, I’d recommend their country fried steak or chicken and dumplings, and be sure to get sweet tea.