Cracker Barrel CEO to step down after overseeing logo backlash last year
News Source
β’Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:28:12 GMT
π° What Happened
Cracker Barrel's CEO Julie Masino is stepping down after a major backlash over the company's logo change. Last August, the restaurant chain updated its logo and removed the character Uncle Herschel. Critics called the new look "woke" and "soulless." Donald Trump got involved, posting "WTF is wrong with Cracker Barrel?!" The company quickly switched back to the old logo. Masino told a commentator she felt "fired by America." Cracker Barrel's stock dropped nearly 3% after the announcement of her departure.
π The Backstory
Cracker Barrel is a well-known restaurant chain in the US, known for its rustic country theme and Southern food. It has been around since 1969 and has a loyal customer base. The logo controversy became a political flashpoint in the culture wars. Companies that update their branding often face criticism from customers who prefer the old look. But the Cracker Barrel case was especially intense because it drew attention from Trump and conservative media. Masino became CEO in 2023 and tried to modernize the brand. The new CEO, David Deno, will take over on August 10.
π― Why It Matters
This story shows how branding decisions can become political battles. Companies have to think carefully about how changes will be received by their customers and the public.
Cracker Barrel's CEO Julie Masino is stepping down after a major backlash over the company's logo change. Last August, the restaurant chain updated its logo and removed the character Uncle Herschel. Critics called the new look "woke" and "soulless." Donald Trump got involved, posting "WTF is wrong with Cracker Barrel?!" The company quickly switched back to the old logo. Masino told a commentator she felt "fired by America." Cracker Barrel's stock dropped nearly 3% after the announcement of her departure.
Cracker Barrel is a well-known restaurant chain in the US, known for its rustic country theme and Southern food. It has been around since 1969 and has a loyal customer base. The logo controversy became a political flashpoint in the culture wars. Companies that update their branding often face criticism from customers who prefer the old look. But the Cracker Barrel case was especially intense because it drew attention from Trump and conservative media. Masino became CEO in 2023 and tried to modernize the brand. The new CEO, David Deno, will take over on August 10.
This story shows how branding decisions can become political battles. Companies have to think carefully about how changes will be received by their customers and the public.