Cracker Barrel is responding following fan backlash on its recent redesign efforts.
The 56-year-old restaurant chain, founded in 1969, said in a lengthy statement shared to its website Monday, that the company “could’ve done a better job sharing who we are.”
“If the last few days have shown us anything, it’s how deeply people care about Cracker Barrel. We’re truly grateful for your heartfelt voices,” Cracker Barrel said. “You’ve also shown us that we could’ve done a better job sharing who we are and who we’ll always be.”
Cracker Barrel announced last year it would begin to renovate its combination restaurant-and-retail establishments in an effort to modernize the longtime chain, shifting from a classic Southern country store aesthetic to a contemporary country theme with a minimalist logo change, brighter locations, updated seating, lighting and bookcases, while some Cracker Barrel signatures would remain, such as its stone fireplaces and taxidermy deer heads.
Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino previously appeared on “Good Morning America” on Aug. 19, saying the veteran company needed to refresh its restaurants and stores.
“Cracker Barrel needs to feel like the Cracker Barrel for today and for tomorrow,” Masino said. “The soul of Cracker Barrel’s not changing — the rocking chairs are still there, the fireplace is there, the peg game — all the things that make Cracker Barrel Cracker Barrel.”
But critics voiced their displeasure at the changes on social media and Cracker Barrel’s stock even dropped by as much as 13% last Thursday, as Reuters reported.
On Monday, Cracker Barrel vowed not to turn its back on its company’s values of “hard work, family, and scratch-cooked food made with care” and promised to keep some of the classic Cracker Barrel its fans have come to love over the years.
“What has not changed, and what will never change, are the values this company was built on when Cracker Barrel first opened in 1969: hard work, family, and scratch-cooked food made with care,” Cracker Barrel continued in its statement.
“The things people love most about our stores aren’t going anywhere: rocking chairs on the porch, a warm fire in the hearth, peg games on the table, unique treasures in our gift shop, and vintage Americana with antiques pulled straight from our warehouse in Lebanon, Tennessee.”
Cracker Barrel also assured restaurantgoers its food will remain a main focus as it worked to bring in and build a loyal fanbase in “the next generation of families.”
“While our logo and remodels may be making headlines, our bigger focus is still right where it belongs… in the kitchen and on your plate: serving generous portions of the food you crave at fair prices and doing it with the kind of country hospitality that brightens your days and creates lasting memories,” Cracker Barrel said. “Meatloaf, chicken n’ dumplins, country fried steak, sides that taste like Sunday supper, and yes, the world’s best pancakes, they’re all still here, with a few new dishes joining the menu.”
“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,” Cracker Barrel added.
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