NEW: Cracker Barrel Further Caves, Cancels ‘Modernized’ Interior Remodel

Cracker Barrel executives are continuing their public apology tour this week with news that “modernized” interior renovations planned for all franchises will be canceled, the latest act of contrition following public outcry about their revamped logo.

In a statement released Tuesday morning, the embattled Americana food chain said it is “continuing to listen” as criticism pours in about its decision to replace its longtime logo with a vapid embossment devoid of life. The new image removed Uncle Hershel, a character who leaned against the Cracker Barrel logo since it was first redesigned in 1977.

Instead, an insipid modern look framed the company’s name, which was to be coupled with an overhaul of its physical locations. That effort is now being nixed, the statement confirmed.

“You’ve shared your voices in recent weeks not just on our logo, but also on our restaurants. We’re continuing to listen. Today, we’re suspending our remodels,” the unattributed post reads.

“We heard clearly that the modern remodel design does not reflect what you love about Cracker Barrel. We had tested this design in only four out of 660 locations, and we won’t continue with it.”

An online mob had accused the food chain of abandoning its kitschy interiors, including rocking chairs on the porch, fireplaces, peg games, and antiques from its warehouse in Lebanon, Tennessee. The new look mirrored more standard interiors of modern fast-food restaurants.

“With our recent announcement that our ‘Old Timer’ logo will remain, along with our bigger focus on the kitchen and on your plate, we hope that today’s step reinforces that we hear you,” the statement adds.

Much of the criticism has focused on Julie Felss Masino, the Cracker Barrel CEO who has headed the franchise since July 2023. Last month, reports surfaced that she had ignored concerns expressed by Sardar Biglari, a top investor in the public company, who had first spoken with the executive in May 2024.

Biglari called Masino’s “strategic transformation plan” an “obvious folly” in a scathing letter to fellow shareholders.

“Cracker Barrel is not a broken brand but it has a broken board,” he wrote.

The executive’s decision to forge ahead has been cited as a modern example of corporate myopia, where executives fail to heed calls for caution from other stakeholders.

Other executives have been let go for much less.

Alissa Heinerscheid, the former marketing director for Bud Light, was fired in 2023 after a poorly conceived partnership with a transgender influencer. The campaign was geared toward younger, progressive beer drinkers but alienated the brand’s blue-collar base.