Cracker Barrel’s CEO Julie Felss Masino is under “mounting pressure” — deservedly, we think — ‘from conservative influencers to resign after the restaurant chain abruptly scrapped its new logo following a wave of backlash,” Newsweek reported on Aug. 27.

The logo, introduced on Aug. 19, stripped the design down to the company’s name, dropping the image of “Uncle Herschel” (CB founder Dan Evins’ “real” uncle), in overalls beside a barrel — and the words “Old Country Store.”

The Lebanon, Tenn.-based nationwide chain (nearly 660 restaurants in 44 states) not only caught flak for its new logo, but also for efforts to update its restaurants to a more modern style. 

On Aug. 19, the Lebanon, Tenn.-based chain announced changes to its logo and menu as part of a campaign titled “All the More.” The rebrand features new and returning menu items, “refreshed” restaurant remodels and an “enhanced brand look and feel,” according to a news release.

To that end, AI Overview stated on Aug. 30 that “Cracker Barrel restaurants have traditionally been styled as classic country stores with a focus on rustic decor, Southern homestyle cooking, and a gift shop with rocking chairs and antique items, but a recent rebranding attempt shifted the aesthetic toward a more modern, contemporary country theme with updated seating and lighting, before the company reversed most changes due to customer backlash and returned to its signature country-style.” 

Signature features included oversized stone fireplaces, taxidermy deer heads, and a “creek of a board underfoot” feel. AI Overview noted, “The goal was to create a welcoming, home-like environment where people could relax in rocking chairs, socialize and play checkers.”

We salute the customers and others for goading officials at Cracker Barrel — widely considered a Southern icon — to revert to its great styles and traditions.