Cracker Barrel mentioned Tuesday it’s suspending remodels of its eating places after criticism from many longtime followers.
The announcement got here two weeks after Cracker Barrel backtracked on a separate plan to modernize and simplify its brand. Followers of the chain had additionally loudly criticized that transfer.
Lebanon, Tennessee-based Cracker Barrel mentioned Tuesday that simply 4 of its 660 eating places had been reworked as a part of a check for the model. The remodels, which started final yr, added extra snug seating, brighter lights, lighter paint and a simplified assortment of antiques however saved signature components like fireplaces.
“We heard clearly that the modern remodel design does not reflect what you love about Cracker Barrel,” the corporate mentioned in an announcement. “Of course, we will continue to invest in our restaurants to make sure that they are in good shape and meet your expectations.”
Cracker Barrel introduced a metamorphosis plan in Could 2024 below its new CEO, Julie Felss Masino, a former government at Taco Bell and Starbucks. Masino mentioned Cracker Barrel was shedding its relevance and wanted some modifications to spice up buyer visitors. Along with reworked shops, the chain deliberate new dinner menu objects and extra environment friendly kitchens.
On the time, Masino mentioned Cracker Barrel deliberate to rework 25 to 30 shops in its 2025 fiscal yr, which ended July 31.
“Historically, Cracker Barrel has made limited changes to our design aesthetic, and we’ve probably relied a little too much on what was perceived to be the timeless nature of our concept,” Masino mentioned throughout a convention name with traders.
Masino mentioned the corporate had obtained constructive buyer suggestions after transforming two shops.
“The goal, simply put, was to freshen things in such a way as to be noticeable and attractive but still feel like Cracker Barrel,” she mentioned.
However the modifications didn’t sit properly with many purchasers, particularly after Cracker Barrel introduced it deliberate to simplify its brand and take away an image of an overall-clad man leaning on a barrel.
“They are supposed to be taking out the old, I call it ‘antique-type’ decorations on the walls,” mentioned Jerry Love as he stood exterior of a Cracker Barrel in Vicksburg, Mississippi, late final month. “I’m very conservative and old so I like those and rather that they didn’t.”
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AP Video Journalist Sophie Bates contributed from Vicksburg, Mississippi.
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