Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino spoke with The Blaze’s Glenn Back about the backlash she and the company faced following this year’s controversial redesign.
Cracker Barrel responded to reports that it is requiring employees to eat only at its restaurants while traveling for work, noting that the guidelines are not new.
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The Cracker Barrel sign is seen outside a location in Louisville, Kentucky, on September 23, 2019. (Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The clarification follows a recent report highlighting Cracker Barrel’s internal employee policies.
According to an internal message reviewed by The Wall Street Journalemployees are encouraged to postpone work-related travel when possible and, when travel is unavoidable, they are expected to dine at Cracker Barrel locations when practical.
“Employees are expected to dine at a Cracker Barrel store for all or most meals while traveling, when practical based on location and schedule,” the company wrote.
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Cracker Barrel has also reportedly tightened its travel expense policy around alcohol, requiring employees to pay out of pocket for alcoholic beverages. Any exceptions require prior approval, The Wall Street Journal reports.
“Special occasion exceptions must be approved in advance by an E-team member,” Cracker Barrel said.
Cracker Barrel has struggled in recent months, including customer outcry last summer over a logo redesign that removed the iconic “Old Timer” character — a decision the company later reversed.
During the fiscal first quarter 2026 earnings call in December, CEO Julie Masino said the company’s turnaround is taking longer than expected.
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Turnover decreased by 5.7% compared to the same period last year.
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“As you all know, the past few months have been difficult for Cracker Barrel and for our 70,000 team members across the country,” Masino said. “And while many of our guests are enjoying our enhanced dining and guest experience, we certainly have more work to do to regain the trust of others who have been slower to return.”
Shares of Cracker Barrel are up more than 30% so far this year.
