Cracker Barrel’s plan to section out its trademark old-timey decor in favor of a contemporary new look continues to rile its fan base.
In an effort to spice up gross sales, appeal to new clients, and hopefully maintain the 56-year-old enterprise afloat by means of financial fluctuations, Cracker Barrel just lately started giving facelifts to sure areas. According to a June report from The Wall Street Journalroughly 40 of the chain’s roughly 660 areas have been revamped in a roundabout way. Changes are mentioned to vary from a contemporary coat of paint to full, trendy makeovers.
The fallout has been dramatic, to say the least. While some clients are praising Cracker Barrel’s new aesthetic, others have taken to social media to lament the lack of the Tennessee-based chain’s specific model of nation nostalgia.
After just a few months of elevated public consideration and blended evaluations, Cracker Barrel has lastly responded.
“We are very pleased with the trajectory of our remodeled stores,” a spokesperson for the restaurant instructed People this week. “Feedback from both guests and team members has been overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic about the refreshed dining and shopping experience. All of the elements of our remodels were informed by direct input from our guests and team members alike—these changes are for them.”
“As with any change, we recognize that there may be a vocal minority who feel differently,” the spokesperson continued. “However, the strong performance of these locations affirms that we are moving in the right direction. We hope people who haven’t yet visited a remodeled store will visit us and experience the country hospitality proudly on display at every table and in every dish.”
Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino has expressed comparable confidence. She sees the backlash is a optimistic signal.
“It’s because people have an emotional connection with the brand,” Felss Masino just lately instructed The Wall Street Journal Global Food Forumincluding that the chain is working to honor that fandom even because it makes adjustments.
“People’s immediate reaction to things is like, ‘Oh, this isn’t the way it was,’” however they have a tendency to return round,” she mentioned.
