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Cracker Barrel Under Fire for Modern Makeover
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, the beloved restaurant chain known for its nostalgic charm, is facing a backlash from customers over its recent modernization efforts. While the company insists the changes are based on customer and employee feedback, many loyal patrons are expressing their displeasure on social media, claiming the new look strips away the very essence of what makes Cracker Barrel special.
Cracker Barrel’s Chief Marketing Officer, Sarah Moore, told Fox News Digital that the renovations are aimed at creating a “brighter, lighter, fresher experience” while improving operational efficiency for the restaurant’s 70,000 employees. She emphasized that signature elements like rocking chairs, peg games, and retail stores will remain. However, some customers dispute the claim that the beloved antiques are staying put.
One viral video posted by a Florida resident using the handle @CoachDuggs shows the interior of a remodeled Cracker Barrel, with the caption, “I hate it.” The video has garnered millions of views and sparked a wave of comments echoing the sentiment.
Many users expressed disappointment, with one long-time customer stating the new design removes “everything good we loved about Cracker Barrel.” Another customer, Rachel Love from Tennessee, shared a similar experience, noting the absence of wall décor in a recently visited location and a starkly different exterior featuring white walls and a large mural.
While Moore maintains that the changes reflect customer requests for less cluttered spaces, more booth seating, and brighter environments, some customers feel the company is misinterpreting their desires. @CoachDuggs argued that the items on the walls were not true antiques but rather imitations. Love’s TikTok video, captioned, “When Cracker Barrel took away the last piece of nostalgia you had left,” also resonated with thousands of other Cracker Barrel enthusiasts who prefer the original aesthetic.
The company insists that the changes are designed to honor the brand’s 55-year history while positioning it for the future. However, the strong negative reaction from a vocal segment of their customer base suggests Cracker Barrel may need to reconsider its approach to modernization to avoid alienating its loyal fans.