Cracker Barrel Employee Explains the Real Reason Behind Decor Changes: "Where Are the Rocking Chairs?"

Yahoo

06-05-2025

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We get it—change is hard. And that applies to just about everything in our lives, from relationships to jobs to our favorite restaurants. Beloved Cracker Barrel has been switching things up lately, and some longtime customers are having trouble adjusting.
Select Cracker Barrel locations have been updating their decor, and a recent remodel in Smyrna, Tennessee, is getting some buzz on social media. One person on Tik Tok shared a video of a bright white space and captioned it, "What in the Chip and Joanna Gaines is going on here?" On another video, viewers noticed that the rocking chairs seemed to have been replaced by Adirondack chairs, and the antiques were scaled way back. One commented, "I'm having an unreasonable amount of rage about this."
Last year, a Cracker Barrel representative told Country Living that 25-30 locations are undergoing a "pilot remodel test" as a part of a multi-year strategic transformation plan. According to the rep, "The focus is on refreshing the store in a noticeable, but attractive way, but in a way that still feels like Cracker Barrel. For example, in some locations, guests will see different, new more comfortable booth and banquette seating options. 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."
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A commenter on Reddit who says he's a maintenance worker at Cracker Barrel entered the chat and gave an insightful opinion, writing, "These remodels are soooo needed, y'all!" He continues to explain that it's all about keeping the restaurants clean, writing, "First off, the lattice being taken down is a huge improvement because it collects tons of dust. Not having to deal with that means less dirt buildup and a cleaner atmosphere overall....Plus, the lighter colors in the remodel aren't just for looks—they actually help us spot dirt and messes more easily. Try cleaning brown off of a brown wall! With the new colors, we can make sure every corner is spotless."
The employee continues to explain, "Another huge win is that the old decor, like globes and lanterns, used to need meticulous cleaning every night. While they were part of the charm, they also trapped dust and grease. With less of that to worry about, we can focus on keeping the store clean in ways that truly matter, and the cleaning process has become so much more efficient."
Have you noticed a change at your Cracker Barrel?
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