Cracker Barrel suspends store remodeling plans after backlash over logo change

HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA: Cracker Barrel announced on September 9 that it is suspending its restaurant renovation plans.

The homestyle chain reversed course just two weeks after scrapping its new modernized logo amid widespread backlash from conservatives and across social media.

Instead of remodeling all 660 locations as originally planned, the company has decided to put those updates on hold.

Cracker Barrel cancels restaurant renovations

Cracker Barrel announced it is pausing its restaurant renovation plans amid backlash over its recent rebranding efforts.

In a message posted on X, the company said, “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 statement added, “If your restaurant hasn’t been remodeled, you don’t need to worry, it won’t be. With our recent announcement that our 'Old Timer' logo will remain, along with our bigger focus in the kitchen and on your plate, we hope that today’s step reinforces that we hear you."

So far, Cracker Barrel has only remodeled four of its 660 locations, introducing a lighter aesthetic that replaced the dark wood interiors and many of the signature knickknacks longtime customers have cherished.  

What happened with Cracker Barrel's new logo?

Last year, Cracker Barrel launched a $600 to $700 million overhaul to modernize its restaurants, featuring minimalist interiors and a new logo that dropped the iconic “Uncle Herschel” character.

The redesign stripped away much of the chain’s classic country-store charm, sparking backlash from customers and conservative critics who labeled the new look “soulless” and accused the brand of turning away from American values.

Following the viral backlash and a drop in stock value, Cracker Barrel quickly reinstated its original logo and restored key elements of its traditional decor.

“We heard clearly that the modern remodel design does not reflect what you love about Cracker Barrel,” the company said in a statement. “Of course, we will continue to invest in our restaurants to make sure that they are in good shape and meet your expectations.”

Alongside the remodels, the company had also planned to introduce new dinner menu options and improve kitchen efficiency.    

Social media reacts to Cracker Barrel's announcement

Cracker Barrel’s tweet announcing the suspension of its remodeling plans went viral, sparking a wave of reactions and claims across the internet.

One user mocked, "Now fire the woke CEO who caused all of this chaos."

Another commenter said, "It's not about the remodels being bad. It's that they take the character away. Hire designers who know the brand."

A person advised, "For God’s sake just make the food better."

A commenter praised, "Nice to see a company actually listening to its customers."

Another comment read, "Excellent, there was no need for that "modernization". Your actual customer base didn't want it. CEO should be fired."

One user suggested, "Next, bring back the shops selling the Americana and the menu with life in it. Right now, it’s horrendous and expensive."

Another elaborated, "Cracker Barrel didn’t need a new logo or massive renovations. For 1/10th the money, they could have solved all their problems by refreshing older locations and MAKING THE FOOD BETTER. We used to eat at Cracker Barrel when traveling. But the food’s been slop for many years now."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.