Overview

• Cracker Barrel said this week the new text-only mark is "going away" and the long-running 'Old Timer' imagery will remain.
• Customers interviewed across Virginia stores opposed brighter interiors and the loss of the cozy, old-time atmosphere.
• The episode drew political attention, with Gov. Ron DeSantis labeling the rebrand "bad" and praising Waffle House as Fox also noted interest from President Donald Trump.
• The identity fight sits within a broader modernization effort that included plans to refresh interiors and follows a 2020 move to add alcohol, which some observers tie to courting brunch traffic.
• The controversy revived a regional rivalry as chefs told Fox News the two chains offer distinct appeals, with Cracker Barrel praised for variety and Waffle House for speed and consistency.