Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino spoke to The Blaze’s Glenn Beck in regards to the backlash she and the corporate confronted after its controversial redesign this yr.
Cracker Barrel is taking warmth from loyal diners who say meals high quality has slipped – from chilled biscuits to reheated sides – deepening frustration that accelerated after the corporate scrapped its outdated brand and eliminated the long-lasting Uncle Herschel earlier than reversing course, leaving many satisfied the true decline is on the plate.
The Wall Road Journal reported that prospects upset by recipe modifications and cost-cutting efforts stated the chain’s meals not mirror its conventional requirements, a criticism that has added to the backlash stemming from the deserted branding overhaul.
Longtime patrons informed the Journal the restaurant’s meals has deteriorated through the years as favorites disappeared from the menu and kitchen shortcuts changed earlier practices.
The Journal additionally reported that Cracker Barrel shifted from rolling biscuit dough as wanted to baking bigger batches and chilling them, and moved some sides – together with inexperienced beans – from stovetop kettles to ovens, with dishes reheated when needed.
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Stuart, Fla., Cracker Barrel Previous Nation Retailer. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Common Photos Group through Getty Photos / Getty Photos)
A type of prospects, 73-year-old Craig Watkins of Northern California, informed the Journal he has watched the chain’s high quality fade and desires outdated staples and authentic maple syrup restored.
“I want pure syrup on pancakes, not that watered-down junk,” he stated, including that he brings his personal syrup when he visits.
FOX Enterprise has reached out to Cracker Barrel for remark.
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The corporate informed the Journal it’s working to enhance meals high quality and reply to visitor suggestions. Cracker Barrel stated it has reinstated gadgets reminiscent of Campfire Meals and Uncle Herschel’s Favourite Breakfast as a part of that effort.
Throughout an investor name Tuesday, the corporate stated its turnaround is progressing extra slowly than anticipated following the failed rebranding try.
Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino stated first-quarter outcomes “were below our expectations amid unique and ongoing headwinds” and that “our recovery will take time” as groups work to regain momentum.
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“As you are all aware, the past few months have been difficult for Cracker Barrel and for our 70,000 team members around the country. And while many of our guests are enjoying our improved food and guest experience, we certainly have more work to do to regain the trust and confidence of others who have been slower to return,” Masino stated. “This will take time, but we are executing a plan and are confident we will get back to the trajectory we saw in fiscal ’25.”
Cracker Barrel reported gross sales had been down 5.7% in comparison with the primary quarter of fiscal 2025. The corporate posted adjusted earnings earlier than curiosity, taxes, depreciation and amortization of $7.2 million, in contrast with $45.8 million in the identical quarter a yr earlier.
Masino additionally stated the decline mirrored roughly $14 million in extra promoting, advertising and marketing and convention bills.
The branding controversy erupted in late August after Cracker Barrel dropped the “old timer” from its brand and deliberate inside modifications to its restaurant-retail structure.
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The corporate reversed these modifications a few week later amid swift buyer backlash.
FOX Enterprise’ Eric Revell and Lindsay Kornick contributed to this report.
