Next time you walk into a Cracker Barrel, you might notice things looking and tasting a bit different. Cracker Barrel’s new CEO, Julie Felss Masino, recently talked about the changes coming to the 55-year-old restaurant chain. “We’re just not as relevant as we once were,” she admitted during a conference call, signaling big updates ahead.
To freshen up the brand, Masino explained that the company has been experimenting with nearly two dozen new menu items. These new dishes are part of an effort to make the restaurant “more relevant to guests.”
In 10 locations, the chain has been testing new items like green chili cornbread and banana pudding. Based on customer feedback, they’ve decided which dishes will roll out to the majority of their 660 restaurants. Exciting new additions include hashbrown casserole shepherd’s pie, premium savory chicken and rice, and slow-braised pot roast, all set to hit the menu later this year.
There are also going to be changes in pricing. Depending on where you live, this could be either good or bad news. “We have stores in metro areas with an average annual household income of $55,000 in the same pricing tier as one with $90,000,” Masino said.
But don’t worry, Masino assured everyone that adjusting prices doesn’t just mean raising them. “In several places, it may actually mean taking the opposite approach. We understand the lower-end consumer is challenged, and value is and will remain an important part of the brand. We will work vigorously to protect it,” she emphasized.
Customers can also expect changes in the overall dining experience. Masino revealed plans for a remodel that includes a new color palette, updated lighting, more comfortable seating, and simplified decor and fixtures.
Additionally, Cracker Barrel plans to open several new, smaller locations in fall 2025. “Historically, Cracker Barrel has made limited changes to our design aesthetic, and we’ve probably relied a little too much on what was perceived to be the timeless nature of our concept,” Masino said.
So, what do you think about these upcoming changes at Cracker Barrel? Is it time for a refresh, or should things stay the same?
Share your thoughts with us in the Comments below!
14 thoughts on “Cracker Barrel to make significant changes in the coming year – CEO says ‘We’re just not as relevant’”
Hope you still have chicken and dumplings and those yummy carrots! But new choices are always good. Love the gift shop!
I love Cracker Barrel. I wish we had one on Staten Island New York. We were there at the one in New Jersey close to the Pennsylvania border. Just bought a pound of coffee there too, I feel it’s delicious coffee. I did not realize they had the pods too or I would have gotten that also. Enjoy your food very much, still love the hashbrowns. Your Christmas displays are beautiful as all the children’s baby clothes.. consider coming to Staten Island. There are many people who enjoy Cracker Barrel when they are traveling somewhere, so I feel it would do good here. Period lots of luck in your new ventures..
I think you could change a little but sometimes change can hurt the business. I personally would like for you to bring back the Oatmeal it was a Favorite of mine and some others that are Elderly and they could afford it.
I love the decor but the food has gotten terrible. Just need better cooks
My husband and I always loved Cracker Barrel. One of our greatest hopes has been the opening of a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Donegal Pa. So near the turnpike. Think it would be great.
You have been our go to restaurant since before you went corporate. We traveled 30 miles to dine at your first location in TN in the 70’s. We now dine at our nearby location in Richmond several times monthly. We travel the country in our RV and stop regularly while wandering. We love Cracker Barrel as does our entire family. Be careful making changes. Keep it friendly, country and tasty!!
Don’t get rid of the chicken and dumplings it the only reason I eat there , and dumplings as a side dish!!
I am in favor of the changes and Please make the coffee much better as well. Love to shop around after eating. I agree it’s time for a change. 55 years is a very long time to be the same. Thank you for listening
Keep the fire place, please.
Keep the Southern boneless buttermilk chicken breast.
Frankly though, I haven’t been to Crackel Barrell much since you started serving beer.
I love cracker barrel it’s nice to look around while awaiting a table making the time go quicker and gives kids something to do. I never had a problem with the menu or decor always been homey to me so add your extras just don’t change it too much. This as is makes it special to me. Thank you
We love cracker barrel. My husband goes for the fried chicken. I wish we had one closer to Pawtucket, R I if it were closer we would go more often.
My husband and I have just recently started going to Cracker Barrel. We don’t go very often because the price is a more than we can afford but when we do we love the food. Also love the merchandise but then again a lot out of our price range. There isn’t but one around where we live but we go to the one Branson when we visit there. The people there are always friendly.
I think it’s a great idea.. would be nice if there was a smaller version.. but keep the store part and have enough waiters to wait on people .. there’s never enough people working and makes you think twice about going for a meal .. I love Cracker Barrel.. hope it stays the same but smaller ..👍