(NEXSTAR) — The next time you’re enjoying a plate of Chicken Fried Chicken at your local Cracker Barrel, take a close look at your server’s apron. Beyond any incidental gravy stains or syrup smears, you’ll likely notice anywhere from zero to four gold stars above their name, often embroidered right on the apron itself.
Those stars, according to Cracker Barrel, represent specific skill levels obtained through an employee-enrichment program known as the PAR (personal achievement responsibility) program.
“There are four PAR levels for each skill position and each star represents a PAR level that the employee has achieved,” Cracker Barrel’s website explains.
In other words, the more stars an employee has embroidered on their apron, the more “skills” that employee has acquired. (Employees on social media say they’re also required to pass tests, usually taken via computer, before earning each star.)
The stars can indicate additional responsibilities, too. A representative for Cracker Barrel was not available to confirm which responsibilities are associated with each additional star, but the restaurant’s website indicates that more skilled servers have the opportunity to become shift leads or trainers.
Workers on TikTok have also indicated that a burgundy apron, as opposed to a brown apron, indicates an employee entrusted with training other servers. Managers at separate Cracker Barrel restaurants, however, have offered differing takes on the burgundy apron, with one confirming to Nexstar that, yes, it indicates a trainer, while another said no, that’s not necessarily the case.
Cracker Barrel’s website is somewhat more clear on the perks associated with stars. Employee development in the PAR program leads to “pay increases and greater benefits,” the site said. Both managers who spoke with Nexstar said employees who achieve more PAR levels are also entitled to greater company discounts.
On Reddit, however, users who identified themselves as current or former employees said the stars are not indicative of different pay grades. It’s the managers, they allege, who decide whether to recognize achievements with a pay bump.
“If your manager feels you’re worthy of a raise based on job performance, uniform appearance, and other factors, you can receive one,” one Reddit user wrote.
Another person said they believed the pay rate “changes at every star,” but “based on your performance.”
A manager who spoke with Nexstar confirmed that to be the case at their location. But another said pay raises are directly associated with stars, or rather the completion of each subsequent PAR level.
A spokesperson for Cracker Barrel did not return a request to clarify the company policy, despite repeated attempts to contact corporate headquarters.
In any case, Cracker Barrel and its restaurant managers seem to be on the same page about one thing: Servers with more stars have a bit more experience, regardless of any syrups or gravies staining their aprons.
“Whether it’s our world-class training program or our career development opportunities, we’re devoted to making sure all of our colleagues have an opportunity to grow and thrive at Cracker Barrel,” the company writes on its site.
