August 15, 2019 by Carol Britton Meyer
When the Cracker Barrel -- now called "The Barrel" on a trial basis -- at 613 Main St. re-opened in the fall of 2016 after being closed for several months, new owners Hugh and Mel McLaughlin envisioned a community gathering place frequented by both adults and kids.
The store opened to rave reviews, attracting just those kinds of customers -- commuters on their way to work, families stopping by to pick up the makings for a picnic, and lots of kids who walk and bike there, especially on half-days off from school.
While the business was established in the 1800s before the restaurant chain of the same name ("Cracker Barrel") came into existence, Mel explained, "We have had customers traveling from afar to find the chain restaurant, and we felt badly that there was confusion because the closest one is in Wrentham. My husband had the idea of changing the name 'to try it out.' It's not official."
When asked if there has been much customer feedback about the trial name, she said, "Not really -- just a few." Past names included "E. Wilder & Son" and "J. Corbett." Photos of what the shop looked like in the past can be found behind the register.
The welcoming store offers everything from deli sandwiches to homemade baked goods along with coffee, beer, wine, ice cream, convenience items, and much more.
"Basically we stick to our mission 'to provide a clean, inviting, and enjoyable atmosphere that will enhance our customers' experience.' It's been a passion and a pleasure," Mel said.
The McLaughlins support more than 25 local vendors by featuring their products, and they also hire local workers as well as local craftspeople who perform various work at the shop as needed. "Additionally, all are welcome to stop by, and we try to keep the tradition of a general store that has something for everyone. Our customers make the place," Mel said.
This was my bus stop as a kid and I will always call it the Cracker Barrel
Maybe have a web page so people looking for the chain can understand. That’s a different thing
My family lived at 629 Main Street . My siblings and I walked to the Cracker Barrel ( aka Joe Splanes) to buy penny candy which was displayed behind a glass display case. For five cents we could walk home with 5 or more pieces of candy in a small brown paper bag. This adventure down the street was a significant event and remains one of my most vivid memories of growing up in Hingham.
It’s a sin to leave that rabbit in a hutch 24/7. Poor bunny has the most boring life, no mental stimulation, a lonely boring life. Do the right thing and make him a house rabbit.
You wouldn’t put a dog in a hutch for its whole life, why would you do this to a rabbit? They are sensitive, aware beings.