Cracker Barrel is trying to assure patrons that the new logo and restaurant revamps it introduced last week don’t mean the eatery’s Uncle Herschel mascot is being retired.
The Tennessee-based eatery was bombarded with criticism for replacing its folksy signage featuring a folksy rural man sitting next to a barrel with a new barrel-shaped logo simply surrounding the restaurant’s printed name. The 56-year-old company also unveiled new interior diners where Americana clutter was replaced by a more minimalist aesthetic.
Social media critics immediately voiced strong disapproval. The company’s market share plummeted $100 million almost immediately, according to Fortune. Cracker Barrel started this week with damage control.
“If the last few days have shown us anything, it’s how deeply people care about Cracker Barrel,” Cracker Barrel posted on Facebook Monday.
The company also confessed “we could’ve done a better job sharing who we are and who we’ll always be.”
That statement assured diners it took note of their love of “the old timers” featured in the old logo, who’ll still be featured on their menus and merchandise.
“He’s not going anywhere — he’s family,” Cracker Barrel said.
While the eatery appears intent on sticking with its redesign, its statement promised the new vibe won’t affect Cracker Barrel’s “country hospitality” or plentiful culinary offerings.
“We know we won’t always get everything right the first time, but we’ll keep testing, learning, and listening to our guests and employees,” the restaurant group vowed.
