Local fans of Cracker Barrel will have their wishes granted soon, as the country-style restaurant chain is set to open its first location in Anne Arundel County by the end of the year.

Cracker Barrel Country Store Inc. signed a lease for a location at BWI Technology Park III, adjacent to the airport and Baltimore-Washington Parkway, according to a statement from St. John Properties. Crews are expected to break ground in late March on what will be a nearly 9,000-square-foot freestanding building.

"Securing the first Cracker Barrel restaurant and store in Anne Arundel County is a significant win," said Bill Holzman, assistant vice president for retail leasing for St. John Properties.

The restaurant will join several other chain restaurants including Bob Evans, Chili's and Ruby Tuesday, that largely cater to travelers and employees of the nearby airport.

"BWI Airport is a business magnet, as companies are attracted to having immediate access to one of the busiest transportation hubs in the world,"said Jerry Wit, senior vice president of marketing for St. John Properties.

This will be the eighth Cracker Barrel in the state, according to the press release.