Some Cracker Barrel fans share distaste with remodeled restaurants: 'Thanks, I hate it'
Cracker Barrel is getting a facelift and some fans of the Southern-style restaurant chain aren't too happy.
Out of its 660 mixed restaurant-stores, Cracker Barrel announced in March that it would be remodeling 25-30 locations and "refreshing" another 25-30 with an aim to attract younger crowds, as mentioned during the company's Q2 earnings call. Known for its mix-match, cluttered decor, the remodeled restaurants feature a cleaner look.
On Aug. 8, Cracker Barrel posted a TikTok video featuring District Manager Brent Smith, welcoming followers to the remodeled restaurant in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Smith walks through the restaurant's gift shop and dining area, showing off new lighting, decor, and tables and chairs. Instead of the lattice wall dividers, which were previously covered with Southern-style wall decor, bookcases hold a handful of items that allow for a more open feel.
"We might have refreshed some things, updated a little bit, but don't you worry: We're still Cracker Barrel," Smith said with a smile at the end of the video.
But public comments indicate hesitancy to embrace the new look.
"Listen, if I can't struggle to read the tri-fold paper menu by the light of a kerosene lamp on my wobbly table in the most uncomfy wood chair, I don't want it," one of the top comments on the video read.
Another user commented: "A swing and a miss. We eat here for a reason. I get what you tried. I don't want bright and open. I want grandma's house back."
More sarcstically, one user wrote: "Ok, I see what y'all did. Nice work. Now, undo it all and put it back like it was."
Viral posts on X conveyed a similar sentiment. "They ruined Cracker Barrel," stated popular meme account Midwest vs. Everybody.
Despite internet reactions, chain boasts 'overwhelmingly positive' reception
A Cracker Barrel statement shared with USA TODAY stated that guests and staff have been "overwhelming positive and enthuiastic" about the remodels.
"As with any change, we recognize that there may be a vocal minority who feel differently," the statement said. "However, the strong performance of these locations affirms that we are moving in the right direction."
Some social media users have also shared their hope for the new design.
In the Cracker Barrel TikTok video, Smith shows off new soundproofing material added to remodeled restaurant ceilings to cut down on reverberation.
"I like it," one TikTok user commented on the video. "I think it still looks like a country store, just updated. Love the sound buffering."
In a March TikTok video, a user shared a walkthrough of a remodeled restaurant in Tennessee. He described the gift shop as brighter, less crowded and full of more "elevated" clothing. As for the dining room, he said the simpler decor provided a more "modern old-time feel."
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
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