Cracker Barrel CEO outlines path forward after logo controversy

Core Insights - Cracker Barrel's recent logo change aimed to modernize the brand and attract younger customers amid declining sales and traffic [2][5] - The company faced backlash over the logo change, with notable public figures, including former President Donald Trump, advocating for a return to the original logo [5][6] - Following the logo change, Cracker Barrel experienced an 8% drop in traffic and projected a continued decline of 7% to 8% for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 [6][7] Company Strategy - The logo change was part of a broader "strategic transformation" to simplify the brand's visual identity and align with minimalism trends in marketing [2][4] - Renovations included a shift from a rustic aesthetic to a more modern design, featuring lighter walls and streamlined seating [4] Market Reaction - The stock price of Cracker Barrel fell nearly 16% amid the controversy surrounding the logo change and accusations of "wokeness" [6] - Public feedback on the redesign was initially described as "overwhelmingly positive" by the CEO, despite the negative market response [5]