Cracker Barrel keeps tripping over its own feet. Last year, the popular restaurant chain rolled out a refresh of its logo, scuttling the beloved gent known as Uncle Herschel in favor of a much more pared-down, streamlined look. Additionally, the decor was updated to be more contemporary and less traditionally homey. The effort on both fronts fell very flat. Many customers were extremely upset with the changes. The whole initiative was more of a fiasco than a positive move forward.
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More recently, CEO Julie Masino, who spearheaded the botched upgrade, will be leaving the company as of August 10, according to Fox Business. She will reportedly be getting $4.6 million in severance, as well as "security costs" for a period of time. Masino will serve Cracker Barrel in an advisory capacity until October 9.
However, the chain now has yet another messy debacle on its hands. Several menu items have been taken away, prompting an outcry from a puzzled, frustrated public that evidently prizes nostalgia and familiarity. Those two time-honored qualities have long made Cracker Barrel a successful culinary destination.
Cracker Barrel Fans Are Imploring the Chain To Restore Their Favorite Dishes
Per the New York Post, Cracker Barrel yanked a bunch of fan favorite meals from its menu. That has not pleased lots of folks, some of whom have reportedly taken to social media to complain. Among the deleted dishes are reportedly ice cream sundaes, fried haddock, reuben sandwiches, fried chicken livers, and sweet potato pancakes.
One particularly mourned item is the Sunrise Sampler, according to the outlet. This treat showcased an array of comfort-food type favorites like grits, sausage, biscuits, and fried apples.
A Restaurant Owner Took Cracker Barrel To Task
One restaurant professional zeroed in on Cracker Barrel's elimination of the Sunrise Sampler. The owner of Cooper's Next Level BBQ in Tallahassee, Florida, shared his opinion with Fox News Digital. Josh Cooper said, "I noticed a while back that Cracker Barrel removed the GOAT of all breakfasts, the Sunrise Sampler, from the menu. You used to get a little bit of everything without breaking the bank." Cooper called dropping this popular platter from the menu "blasphemy."
