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Cracker Barrel Investors Keep CEO as Shareholders Reject Director After Rebrand Backlash

Proxy pressure over the failed rebrand set up the board shake-up.

Overview

  • Shareholders voted to retain CEO Julie Felss Masino, according to preliminary results from the Nov. 20 annual meeting.
  • Independent director Gilbert Dávila failed to win reelection and resigned, reducing the board to nine members.
  • Proxy advisers ISS and Glass Lewis urged votes against Dávila, while activist investor Sardar Biglari campaigned to remove both Dávila and Masino and holds roughly 3% of the shares.
  • Following customer backlash to an August logo change and test remodels, Cracker Barrel reinstated its classic logo within a week and suspended remodels in September, issuing a public apology.
  • The company has guided to lower traffic—down about 7%–8% in fiscal Q1 and 4%–7% for fiscal 2026—as it works to repair performance and credibility with investors and customers.