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Cracker Barrel Unveils Fresh Store Remodels as Fans Clash Over Modern Décor

Executives are retaining key rustic features in a multi-year modernization plan drawing polarized social media feedback

A Cracker Barrel in Indianapolis pictured on June 24, 2016. A remodel of some locations has sparked backlash.
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Overview

  • Cracker Barrel is renovating 25–30 restaurants and refreshing another 25–30 under a March initiative to brighten store interiors and attract younger guests.
  • Videos of the new layouts posted on TikTok, X and Instagram have drawn over 8 million views and thousands of comments, many describing the spaces as bland or soulless.
  • Company leaders say they have continuously pulsed feedback from loyal, lapsed and prospective guests to refine design elements before wider implementation.
  • Despite vocal online criticism, Cracker Barrel reports overwhelmingly positive guest and staff reactions at remodeled locations and cites strong sales performance.
  • The remodeling effort is part of a broad, three-year strategy announced last year to reverse slumping sales and reinvigorate brand relevance through physical and menu updates.