A ribbon cutting outside the new Central Park Cracker Barrel restaurant.

On a snowy Friday morning, a crowd gathered outside the new Cracker Barrel restaurant in northeast Denver. Framed by the familiar rocking chairs on the front porch, the ceremonial ribbon was cut to welcome people attending the event.

The restaurant at 9111 E. 40th Ave. opens to the public on April 21. The next few days are a time for the staff to get ready while serving friends and family members.

This is the first Cracker Barrel to open in Denver, and the first in Colorado since two stores opened in 1995. There are five restaurants now in the state.

Denver City Councilwoman Shontel Lewis told the gathering that this was more than just a restaurant opening. “We’re opening the doors to new possibilities in District 8. It means a place to gather, to celebrate birthdays, graduations, and Sunday afternoons. It means jobs, opportunity, and a reason for families to stay close.”

As part of the celebration, Erin Pulling, president and CEO of Food Bank of the Rockies, accepted a check from Cracker Barrel executives for $30 thousand to help support the fight against hunger in the community.

Food Bank of The Rockies president & CEO accepts a check from Cracker Barrel

Inside the restaurant servers practiced their skills to get ready for opening day, some telling tales of their cross-country journeys to work in the Denver restaurant.

And inside the store, it was an overload for the senses with fully stocked shelves and racks of games and clothes and food. Shoppers can look but not buy until the restaurant opens on Monday. It will be open seven days a week, 364 days a year.

Inside the store at the restaurant