JUST IN: Cracker Barrel Under Fire For Response To ‘Woke’ Rebrand Critics

Popular country store restaurant Cracker Barrel came out on Monday and admitted that they “could’ve done a better job sharing who we are and who we’ll always be” after the chain released a new logo and design for the inside of the establishment last week. Customers were not happy with the changes.

“If the last few days have shown us anything, it’s how deeply people care about Cracker Barrel. We’re truly grateful for your heartfelt voices,” the company went on to say regarding the controversy. “You’ve also shown us that we could’ve done a better job sharing who we are and who we’ll always be.”

According to Fox Business, the company then stated that what has not and “will never change” are the values that the restaurant was founded on when it was first established in Lebanon, Tennessee, back in 1969.

The statement then said those values are “hard work, family, and scratch-cooked food made with care.”

Continuing on in the statement, Cracker Barrel also said it values giving everyone a place they feel welcome and at home, no matter where they might come from or where they could be headed.

“That’s the Cracker Barrel you’ll always find,” the statement explained. “The things people love most about our stores aren’t going anywhere: rocking chairs on the porch, a warm fire in the hearth, peg games on the table, unique treasures in our gift shop, and vintage Americana with antiques pulled straight from our warehouse in Lebanon, Tennessee.

“We love seeing how much you care about our ‘old timer.’ We love him too. Uncle Herschel will still be on our menu (welcome back Uncle Herschel’s Favorite Breakfast Platter), on our road signs, and featured in our country store. He’s not going anywhere — he’s family,” the statement added.

The company said its focus right now isn’t the controversy stirred up by the logo change and remodels, but “in the kitchen and on your plate.”

“Meatloaf, chicken n’ dumplins, country fried steak, sides that taste like Sunday supper, and yes, the world’s best pancakes, they’re all still here, with a few new dishes joining the menu. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time guest, we want you to feel at home around our table,” the statement continued. “We also want to be sure Cracker Barrel is here for the next generation of families, just as it has been for yours.”

The restaurant chain then took a moment to explain that ensuring the restaurant is around for future generations to enjoy means “showing up on new platforms and in new ways, but always with our heritage at the heart.”

In the statement, Cracker Barrel said that while they may not always get everything correct on the first try, they’ll “keep testing, learning, and listening to our guests and employees.”

Concluding the lengthy response, the restaurant said, “At the end of the day, our promise is simple: you’ll always find comfort, community, and country hospitality here at Cracker Barrel. Uncle Herschel wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”

Fans were upset at the removal of “Uncle Herschel” from the logo. Uncle Herschel was added to the logo in 1977 and became iconic for the branding of the chain.

The modern motif of the interior of the restaurants also rubbed customers the wrong way, foregoing the kitschy Americana aesthetic for something many called cold and sterile.