Cracker Barrel can't seem to stop tripping over its own feet. First it was an unfortunate rebrand of their traditional logo and decor last year that backfired badly. The gent on their logo, affectionately known as Uncle Herschel, was removed. The quaint environment of their restaurants was replaced with a more stripped-down, sterile look. The homey feel that the public expected and liked was suddenly gone.
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Both revamps angered customers. The changes were rescinded but the ire they caused has not been forgotten. Now Cracker Barrel has reportedly put new rules in place, presumably for corporate-level employees. Those strict guidelines will undoubtedly leave some people scratching their heads.
A "Leaked Internal Memo" Spilled the Beans
According to the U.S. Sun, a "leaked internal memo" from Cracker Barrel obtained by the Wall Street Journal indicated that "employees are expected to dine at a Cracker Barrel store for all or the majority of meals while traveling, whenever practical based on location and schedule."
The outlet interpreted this to mean that Cracker Barrel employees will foot the bill themselves for food while traveling. They will also not be reimbursed for any money spent for alcohol unless they get "special approval," per the outlet.
The Sun was reportedly told by a spokesperson that employees only have to eat at a Cracker Barrel restaurant when they are on the road if it is practical to do so. Alcohol is not deemed a corporate expense.
Cracker Barrel Realized the Blunder They Made With Last Year's Upgrades
The company understood fast that the logo and decor changes of last year were a major gaffe. Not long after the fiasco, the chain's CEO, Julie Masino, said, "We have already taken steps to get back on track. That's why our team pivoted quickly to switch back to our old-timer logo, and has already begun executing new marketing, advertising, and social media initiatives, leaning into Uncle Herschel, and the nostalgia around the brand with more to come."
Hopefully Cracker Barrel can win back all of its loyal following. Whether their new rules will make their employees unhappy remains to be seen.
