Photo: Screenshot/Donald J. Trump Truth Social
America’s favorite “Old Country Store” has learned a lesson from its consumers: Americana doesn’t go out of style.
In the wake of a massive backlash following Cracker Barrel’s attempted rebrand – which would have moved the company away from its charming country store roots to a new, corporate style – the organization announced that it will preserve its classic look.
“You’ve shared your voices in recent weeks not just on our logo, but also on our restaurants,” a statement from the company revealed. “We’re continuing to listen. Today, we’re suspending our remodels. If your restaurant hasn’t been remodeled, you don’t need to worry, it won’t be.”
This new announcement comes after several weeks of controversy surrounding Cracker Barrel’s failed pitch to rebrand its classic, homey restaurants and general stores across the country.
In fact, the blowback from consumers was so negative that President Donald Trump even weighed in, writing: “Cracker Barrel should go back to the old logo, admit a mistake based on customer response (the ultimate Poll), and manage the company better than ever before. They got a Billion Dollars worth of free publicity if they play their cards right. Very tricky to do, but a great opportunity.”
Cracker Barrel’s failed rebrand ideas included a monotone logo and streamlined interior redesigns of its restaurants – neither of which were popular with customers on social media.
According to RSBN, Cracker Barrel’s stock tanked by 16 percent after they announced the rebrand – yet another indication that consumers were less than thrilled by the proposed changes.
Shortly after this wave of backlash, the company announced that it would be restoring its original “Old Country Store” logo. “Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain,” the company stated on X in late August.
Tuesday’s announcement that it would pause its proposed remodels seems to complete Cracker Barrel’s backpedal on its rebrand. “We heard clearly that the modern remodel design does not reflect what you love about Cracker Barrel,” the company stated. “We had tested this design in only four out of 660 locations, and we won’t continue with it. Of course, we will continue to invest in our restaurants and to make sure that they are in good shape and meet your expectations.”