Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino to Step Down, David Deno Named Successor
David Deno will take over as CEO after a rebranding backlash that wiped nearly $100 million from Cracker Barrel’s value, the company said.
- Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino will step down in mid-August, the company announced on Monday, with David Deno, former CEO of Bloomin Brands, named as her successor.
- Felss Masino's departure follows turmoil surrounding Cracker Barrel's recent strategic changes, as critics labeled the company's rebrand "woke," sparking debate among traditional customers.
- Deno previously served as CEO of Bloomin Brands, the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, bringing restaurant leadership experience to stabilize operations and reconnect with guests.
- In a news release, Deno praised Cracker Barrel as an "iconic American brand," stating his commitment to "unlocking the full potential" of the company for future growth.
- The leadership transition occurs as Cracker Barrel navigates competitive pressures, with management aiming to leverage the restaurant's reputation for warm hospitality to reconnect with guests across generations.
163 Articles
163 Articles
Cracker Barrel CEO Out After Woke Rebrand Fiasco.
Cracker Barrel’s CEO Julie Masino has resigned following a disastrous rebrand attempt, with its new leader pledging to uphold the company’s traditional appeal.PULSE POINTS WHAT HAPPENED: Cracker Barrel announced Monday that CEO Julie Masino will step down after three years leading the restaurant chain, following a turbulent tenure marked by backlash over a woke rebrand. Masino faced widespread criticism after introducing a minimalist logo and re…
Cracker Brand CEO steps down after rebrand backlash
Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino is stepping down after the company’s rebranding effort last year drew widespread backlash from longtime customers. The company’s challenges began in May 2025, when it unveiled a brand refresh that included changes to restaurants nationwide as part of an effort to modernize its image. The initiative drew months of scrutiny after Cracker Barrel removed its famous Uncle Herschel mascot from its logo and introdu…
'Go Woke, Go Broke' Curse Strikes Again? Cracker Barrel CEO Exits Amid Failed Rebrand and Trump Criticism
Cracker Barrel's chief executive Julie Felss Masino is stepping down less than three years after taking the helm, after a rebrand that scrapped the chain's rustic logo, drew a sharp public rebuke from President Donald Trump and was blamed by critics for a slump in the share price. The Tennessee‑based restaurant group said Masino will leave the job on or around 10 August and remain in an advisory role until October, as veteran restaurateur David …
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