Cracker Barrel responds to backlash over new emblem and rebranding

Cracker Barrel Previous Nation Retailer on Monday issued a press release responding to the widespread backlash it confronted final week over its rebranding and new emblem.

“If the previous few days have proven us something, it is how deeply individuals care about Cracker Barrel. We’re really grateful on your heartfelt voices,” the corporate wrote. “You’ve got additionally proven us that we might’ve accomplished a greater job sharing who we’re and who we’ll all the time be.”

The brand new emblem removes the picture of the restaurant’s “Uncle Herschel” character leaning in opposition to a barrel that was prominently featured within the authentic, abandoning simply the phrases “Cracker Barrel” in opposition to the define of a yellow barrel. The phrase “previous nation retailer” has additionally been eliminated.

The colours, which the corporate stated had been impressed by the restaurant’s eggs and biscuits, stayed near the unique.

Customers on social media had been fast to criticize the brand new emblem, describing it as “generic,” “soulless” and “bland.”

Some conservatives additionally slammed the brand new emblem, saying it took away the traditional, American really feel that has been so central to Cracker Barrel over time.

Cracker Barrel stated that whereas the rebranding has been making headlines, its focus stays “within the kitchen and in your plate.”

Within the assertion, Cracker Barrel stated that Uncle Herschel will nonetheless be featured on the menu, in addition to on highway indicators and within the nation retailer.

“He isn’t going anyplace — he is household,” the assertion learn.

The corporate additionally addressed criticism about décor modifications which were put in place at some Cracker Barrel places all through the nation, saying that its shops will nonetheless function “rocking chairs on the porch, a heat fireplace within the fireside, peg video games on the desk, distinctive treasures in our reward store, and classic Americana with antiques pulled straight from our warehouse in Lebanon, Tennessee.”

The restaurant chain reiterated to prospects that its values have not modified.

“We all know we can’t all the time get all the pieces proper the primary time, however we’ll hold testing, studying, and listening to our company and staff,” the restaurant stated. “On the finish of the day, our promise is straightforward: you will all the time discover consolation, group, and nation hospitality right here at Cracker Barrel. Uncle Herschel would not have needed it another approach.”