NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a move that has stunned both the country music world and late-night snack enthusiasts, Grammy-winning superstar Carrie Underwood has officially opened her very own 24/7 convenience store in the heart of Nashville — and it comes with a twist only a touring legend could dream up.
Dubbed Carrie’s Country Corner, the store offers all the classics you’d expect — coffee, sodas, chips, candy — but nestled discreetly on the back shelf is a mysterious snack she calls “Backstage Crunch.” According to Carrie, it’s the exact same treat she and her crew have enjoyed exclusively behind the scenes on her tours for over a decade.
From Stage Lights to Store Lights
The grand opening took place this past Saturday at midnight, complete with neon banjo signs, a ribbon-cutting performed with an oversized golden guitar pick, and an impromptu acoustic performance from the star herself.
“Most people know me for music,” Carrie said, grinning as she rang up her first customer. “But I’ve always loved the feeling of stopping into a little roadside store during a long drive. The hum of the refrigerators, the smell of fresh coffee, the endless possibilities of snacks… It’s magic. Now I get to create that magic for other people — anytime, day or night.”
The store’s layout is cozy yet stylish, with reclaimed barn wood, checkered floors, and murals of Carrie’s most iconic stage outfits painted by local Nashville artists. There’s even a “Tour Memories” wall, featuring framed Polaroids from her years on the road, each captioned in her own handwriting.
The Legend of ‘Backstage Crunch’
The biggest buzz, however, revolves around the snack that has fans lining up down the block: Backstage Crunch. It comes in small, unmarked kraft paper bags with nothing but a stamped horseshoe logo and a batch number.
So, what exactly is it? Carrie remains coy. “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret anymore,” she laughed in an interview. “It’s a mix of sweet, salty, and a little smoky — just like life on tour.”
According to her longtime drummer, Mark Childers, Backstage Crunch started as a homespun recipe created by Carrie during her 2012 Blown Away Tour. “We were stuck in a snowstorm in Colorado, and she disappeared into the bus kitchen,” Childers recalls. “Next thing we knew, she had this crazy mix of pretzels, candied pecans, maple-smoked almonds, and… well, I can’t say the rest. It kept us going for the rest of the trip.”
Fans on social media have already begun speculating wildly, with theories ranging from “bourbon-glazed kettle corn” to “BBQ-seasoned chocolate bark.”
Not Just Snacks — A Slice of Carrie’s Life
Beyond its mysterious bestseller, Carrie’s Country Corner offers items you won’t find in typical convenience stores. A “Vinyl & Vino” section sells limited-edition pressings of her albums alongside small-batch Tennessee wines she personally selected. The refrigerated case includes locally made kombucha with flavors named after her hits — Before He Cheats (ginger-lime) and Cowboy Casanova (spiced pear).
A cozy corner, called the “Songwriting Nook,” has a small table, guitar, and free notebooks where customers can jot down lyrics or doodles. Once a month, Carrie plans to host an open-mic night inside the store. “It’s about creating community,” she explained. “Music brought me here, but people keep me here.”
The 24/7 Factor
Carrie says the round-the-clock schedule is intentional. “I remember finishing a show at 1 a.m., being absolutely starving, and the only thing open was a gas station two towns over. I wanted a place where touring musicians, night-shift workers, or even insomniacs can find a warm smile and a fresh snack no matter the hour.”
The store has already become a haven for late-night wanderers. On opening night, a group of truck drivers stopped by around 3 a.m., leaving with armfuls of Backstage Crunch and selfies with Carrie.
Sustainability and Local Roots
In true Nashville spirit, Carrie’s Country Corner prioritizes local sourcing. Nearly 70% of its products come from Tennessee farmers, bakers, and artisans. The store runs on solar panels during the day, and biodegradable packaging is used for all hot foods and snacks.
“I didn’t want to just open a store — I wanted it to reflect my values,” Carrie said. “Good food, good people, good earth.”
Even the coffee is roasted by a family-owned business in nearby Franklin, with blends named after milestones in Carrie’s career, such as Play On and Storyteller.
The Fan Frenzy
Since the announcement, fans from across the country have made pilgrimages to Nashville just to visit the store. Some have camped outside overnight to be first in line for the next batch of Backstage Crunch.
One fan, Jessica Moore from Dallas, described the experience: “It’s like walking into one of her songs. There’s warmth, there’s nostalgia, and then you taste that snack and you just know — this is something special.”
Another customer joked, “I came for chips, I left with vinyl, wine, and a signed cowboy hat. This place is dangerous in the best way.”
More Than Just a Store?
Industry insiders speculate that Carrie might be testing the waters for a nationwide chain. While she hasn’t confirmed any expansion plans, her smile when asked said it all.
“All I can say is… never say never,” she teased. “But for now, this store is my baby. I want to see it grow naturally — like a good song.”
A Star’s New Stage
For someone who has performed in front of tens of thousands, running a convenience store might seem like a quiet step. But for Carrie, it’s another way to connect.
“On stage, you give people music,” she said. “Here, I get to give them comfort, joy, and maybe a little surprise in a paper bag. It’s still a performance — just with coffee instead of microphones.”
Store Details
- Name: Carrie’s Country Corner
- Location: Lower Broadway, Nashville, TN
- Hours: 24/7, 365 days a year
- Signature Item: Backstage Crunch (limited quantities daily)
As the neon banjo sign buzzes in the Nashville night, one thing is clear: Carrie Underwood has traded the roar of the crowd for the hum of a soda machine — and somehow, it feels just as electric.
Whether Backstage Crunch becomes the next big snack craze or remains a beloved secret for those lucky enough to find it, Carrie’s venture proves she can turn any stage — even a corner store — into a hit.
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