Cracker Barrel CEO behind botched rebrand to step down

Masino was behind a much-maligned rebrand of the company, which would have seen the chain abandon much of its folksy aesthetic in favor of a sleeker, more modern design.

Published: July 27, 2026 9:49am

Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino will step down in mid-August, the company confirmed on Monday.

She will be replaced by David Deno and remain an advisor until mid-October, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Masino was behind a much-maligned rebrand of the company, which would have seen the chain abandon much of its folksy aesthetic in favor of a sleeker, more modern design.

The attempted rebrand drew widespread backlash and attracted national attention, resulting in the stock plunging considerably. Many prominent political commentators and lawmakers weighed in against the redesign.

In late October of last year, the company separated from the California-based firm that designed the interior overhauls and pitched an altered logo that would have removed the iconic "Uncle Herschel" figure.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.

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