Cracker Barrel, please don't ever change. We mean it.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Weeks after the company announced in August that it was suspending its much-maligned remodels, the chain's social media team showed that it's already having a good laugh about the whole situation.
What Happened With Cracker Barrel?
One of the things that made Cracker Barrel such a hit with guests was its throwback appeal. Everything from the decor to its menu and even many of the items in its Old Country Stores was a throwback to a different time.
Even its logo, with a rendering of an old-timer sitting in a rocking chair, let customers know that even though the world was changing outside the restaurant's walls, nothing would ever change inside a Cracker Barrel.
Then, earlier this year, CEO Julie Masino thought things needed to change.
Working under the notion that the chain was "not as relevant" as it once was, some locations underwent a remodel. Stores received brighter paint jobs, updated seating, and some revamped decor. Instead of feeling nostalgic, the restaurants now looked modern and, frankly, uninspired.
The outcry from customers was quick: No one liked it, with country stars like Jason Aldean and John Rich adding to the outcry on social media.
Did All the Restaurants Change?
In August, Cracker Barrel probably committed its biggest sin. It revamped its logo by replacing the "Old Timer" with a sleeker design. That lasted for about a week.
"We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel. We said we would listen, and we have," a statement said. "Our new logo is going away, and our 'Old Timer' will remain."
Several weeks after the logo was reverted, the company announced that it would halt all ongoing remodels.
"You've shared your voices in recent weeks not just on our logo, but also on our restaurants," it said in a statement. "We're continuing to listen. Today, we're suspending our remodels. 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."
Now Cracker Barrel Is Having a Laugh at Its Own Expense
Yesterday on X, a user tweeted an image of a Cracker Barrel on the White House's East Wing. With all the ink spilled about President Donald Trump remodeling the building, it's a pretty solid joke. In the caption, the user tagged the restaurant.
"Wait, they're really attaching a @CrackerBarrel to the East Wing?"
Then yesterday, someone on the chain's social media team retweeted the image with the best possible caption.
"You probably don't want us anywhere near a remodel."
