Cracker Barrel Halts Modern Renovations After Testing in Just Four Locations Amid Widespread Customer Backlash

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. has announced the suspension of its modern restaurant renovation plans, following significant customer feedback and a prior reversal on a new logo design. The decision, revealed on Tuesday, comes after the company tested the updated interior aesthetic in only four of its 660 nationwide locations. The move signals a recommitment to the brand's traditional "vintage Americana" aesthetic.

The company stated, "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. If your restaurant hasn’t been remodeled, you don’t need to worry, it won’t be." This announcement reinforces a broader pattern of the company responding to public sentiment regarding its brand identity.

This decision closely follows Cracker Barrel's reversal last month on a new, minimalist logo that replaced its iconic "Old Timer" imagery. Both the logo change and the interior renovations, which featured lighter woods, fewer traditional knickknacks, and brighter lighting, were part of a strategic transformation plan initiated in 2024 to attract younger diners and modernize the brand. However, these changes were met with intense backlash, particularly from conservative groups and online influencers who accused the company of going "woke."

The backlash intensified when figures like former President Donald Trump publicly urged Cracker Barrel to revert to its original logo, a call the company swiftly heeded. Cracker Barrel conceded in its latest statement, "We heard clearly that the modern remodel design does not reflect what you love about Cracker Barrel." The company reassured customers that elements like "the rocking chairs on the porch, our fireplaces and peg games, unique treasures in our gift shop and antiques pulled straight from our warehouse in Lebanon, Tennessee" would remain.

While the company had initially planned to remodel 25 to 30 stores in its 2025 fiscal year as part of a reported $700 million rebrand effort, the widespread negative reception to the initial four test locations and the logo change prompted this significant pivot. The company's focus will now shift to enhancing the dining experience while preserving the familiar, nostalgic atmosphere that has long defined the Cracker Barrel brand.