Cracker Barrel customers looked on in horror after the chain made this awful change

Cracker Barrel’s new management wants to shake things up. 

But longtime fans of the chain might not be on board. 

And Cracker Barrel customers looked on in horror after the chain made this awful change. 

Cracker Barrel stores are getting a makeover for the 21st century

Cracker Barrel hasn’t changed its stores much over the years.

The row of rocking chairs awaits customers outside a restaurant, the entrance features food and merchandise, and the dining room is filled with antique signs, posters, and other relics.

But Cracker Barrel hasn’t regained the foot traffic that it lost during the pandemic.

That’s why Cracker Barrel’s new CEO is embarking on the most dramatic overhaul in the chain’s history.

“We’re just not as relevant as we once were,” Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino said in May.

Masino said that the chain “has lost some of its shine” and needed a “transformation” to attract and retain customers.

Now Cracker Barrel is spending $700 million to renovate the interior and exterior of its locations.

But a restaurant with the new look in Manchester, Tennessee – near the corporate headquarters in Lebanon – drew negative reactions. 

@em_vougioukles So disappointing. I hope this isnt right ???? #crackerbarrel #modernization #ewwww ♬ CBAD DELTA DAWN – THE Carlsbad High School

The vintage decorations on the wall and the brown walls were replaced for a modern look with white walls and more lighting.

Cracker Barrel’s original décor gave it a down-home charm that greeted diners.

Now the chain is losing its unique look in a desperate attempt to attract new customers.

Over 9,000 comments were made about the video, with most reacting negatively to the change.

An official Cracker Barrel responded to the video to calm outraged fans.

“You caught us in the middle of a refresh – with a fresh coat of paint and letting some extra natural light in. Don’t worry, the decor we know and love will be back up on the walls in no time,” Cracker Barrel said.

Whether adding back the vintage decorations was planned or a reaction to the backlash remains to be seen.

More changes are in store for Cracker Barrel 

A Cracker Barrel spokesman told Country Living that the chain is testing renovations at about 25 to 30 restaurants. 

“The focus is on refreshing the store in a noticeable, but attractive way, but in a way that still feels like Cracker Barrel,” the spokesman said. “For example, in some locations, guests will see different, new more comfortable booth and banquette seating options.”

Cracker Barrel is tinkering with the vintage décor that became part of the chain’s signature look.

“The stores are also testing lighter paint options, new fixtures and lighting, and repositioning décor – all changes designed to enhance the guest experience by providing an environment that feels lighter, brighter, fresher, and cleaner,” the spokesman added.

Customer feedback is going to drive some of the changes.

“Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from employees and guests in these locations, and their feedback is helping influence future remodels,” the spokesman explained. “These steps and many more will benefit guests and Cracker Barrel team members, setting the stage for Cracker Barrel to thrive for decades to come.”

For good or bad, the bottom line is, Cracker Barrel will have a very different look and feel for customers after its big renovation.

Read All About It will keep you up-to-date on any developments to this ongoing story.