Cracker Barrel has announced it will suspend its plans to remodel its restaurants after an angry backlash to its rebranding efforts also prompted the company to ditch a recently unveiled new logo.
“We hear you. Your Old Country Store is here to say,” the Tennessee-based eatery titled a message to supporters posted Tuesday.
Many customers made their unhappiness known last month when Cracker Barrel did away with its logo of restaurant mascot Uncle Herschel leaning on a big barrel in favor of a more simple design that didn’t include the old timer in overalls.
That change was part of a plan to give the old-fashioned eatery a less cluttered and more modern aesthetic.
In the wake of that announcement, MAGA media blasted the modifications as “woke.” Cracker Barrel market share almost immediately plummeted nearly $100 million, according to Fortune.
The restaurant group got the message.
“You’ve shared your voices in recent weeks not just on our logo, but also on our restaurants,” Cracker Barrel said in its Tuesday press release. “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.”
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Customers dine at a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Florida on Aug. 27. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The eatery said it tested its new look in four of its 660 locations, but will leave the remaining stores alone. Those 656 locations will also continue to bear Cracker Barrel’s “Old Timer” logo.
“The vintage Americana you love will always be here,” the company vowed.
That includes fireplaces, rocking chairs on porches and gift shops stocked with Cracker Barrel merchandise.
