The article in last weeks Current regarding the possibility of a Cracker Barrel restaurant opening on Haigis Parkway compelled me to write. It said the restaurant’s design and color doesn’t “fit into the original designs and themes” of the planning board of our great town. At a time when Scarborough needs to attract more business to offset the high tax burden, we become less and less attractive by driving businesses away.

Does the board expect to ask Cracker Barrel to change its design and color? I hope not! I can’t imagine that building being anything other than the color brown. It’s an old-fashioned store and restaurant! From personal experience, I do agree, however, that the flat roof is not a good design concept for the Northeast. A peaked roof would make more sense here in Maine. We owned a flat roof building at our place of business, and we ultimately built a second story, due to the many problems that it incurred.

The color brown, however, is another story. We first became familiar with Cracker Barrel restaurants more than 20 years ago when we were traveling on business and visiting family in Florida. We looked forward to our visits at the restaurant over the years as we could always expect to get a good home-cooked meal at a very reasonable price. We would look for an exit that had a variety of motels and that tall familiar gold and brown Cracker Barrel sign. In fact, that’s where we had our first taste of the restaurant’s famous biscuits and gravy and also grits. Maybe that sounds too homey or plain to some who prefer only gourmet-type foods but comfort food now and then is, well “comfortable.” Also, their gifts are pretty nice and one wouldn’t have to travel to the congestion of the Maine Mall to pick up a quick present.

I think Scarborough needs a good family oriented restaurant and it is long overdue. Let’s not be so picky about colors. Let’s not be so yuppie with too many petty restrictions. I think Cracker Barrel will be a good fit with Cabella’s and with the town of Scarborough. Chicken-fried steak anyone?

Judy Hochmuth

Scarborough