The cracker barrel returns to its original logo after backlash
The cracker barrel said it’s back to its classic design with a new logo x after the backlash.
Welcome eclectic wall design, oil lamp fixtures, wobbling wooden tables. After all, cracker barrels don’t modify restaurants.
Country stores and restaurant chains announced on September 9 that they have not proceeded with restaurant remodeling a few weeks after reversed the course of their logo changes that sparked widespread controversy.
“We’ve shared our voices not only in the logo but also in the restaurants over the last few weeks. We’re continuing to listen,” Cracker Barrel said in a message on its website. “Today, we are pausing modifications. If your restaurant is not remodeled, you don’t have to worry. It’s not.”
Cracker Barrel said it tested the modifications only in four of the 660 locations. Nevertheless, the chain said it would make sure all restaurants are “well and meet your expectations.”
“We hope that today’s steps will reinforce your voice, along with the recent announcement that the ‘old timer’ logo remains and a big focus on the kitchen and your plate,” Cracker Barrel said.
Cracker Barrel announced a restaurant remodel earlier this year
The company announced during its second quarter revenue call in March it will remodel 25-30 locations and “refresh” another 25-30 with the aim of attracting young crowds.
According to Tiktok’s video cracker barrel posted last year, the updated restaurant featured new lighting, decorations, tables and chairs. Instead of wall dividers covered with South-style wall decorations, the bookcase held a handful of items, highlighting a more open atmosphere.
Some commenters quickly disapproved of a new, more modern redesign.
“Listen, if you don’t have trouble reading triple-papered menus with the light of the kerosene lamps on the wobble tables of wooden chairs that you don’t care about the most,” one commenter said.
Another said, “Swing and mistakes. We eat here. I’ll get what you tried. I’m bright and don’t want to open. I want to go back to Grandma’s house.”
Cracker barrel flip-flop with updated logo
The change in mind regarding the cracker barrel restaurant modifications came two weeks after a similar switch-up of the planned logo redesign.
On August 19th, Cracker Barrel unveiled a new simplified logo with the launch of a fall menu campaign called “All The More.” The logo still featured the company’s classic gold and brown palette, but removed the man sitting next to a wooden barrel.
Some customers have denounced the logo change, with one Instagram commenter calling it “cold and sterile.”
Meanwhile, some conservatives have suggested that the new logo is political. President Donald Trump also wrote in a true social post that if he returns to the long logo, the chain can win “free propaganda.”
“Cracker barrels need to go back to their old logos and accept mistakes based on customer response (the ultimate poll) and manage the company more than ever,” Trump said on August 26th. He has since shared more social media posts with the brand’s logo.
On the same day as Trump’s first post, Cracker Barrel dropped a new, highly critical logo and said it would return to the “old timer.”
“We thank our guests for their love for your voice and the cracker barrels. We said we would hear,” the company’s statement said. “Our new logo is gone, and the ‘old timer’ remains. ”
Contributed by: Gretacross, USA Today
Melina Kahn is a national trending reporter for USA Today. She can be contacted at melina.khan@usatoday.com.
