Cracker Barrel fans have mixed feelings about restaurant chain's redesign
Cracker Barrel's new redesign has become the latest viral topic of discussion on social media among fans of the restaurant chain.
In an effort to modernize Cracker Barrel, the chain has overhauled its classic Southern country store aesthetic, replacing it with a more contemporary country theme. Photos and videos of some of the locations that have already undergone decor transformations have amassed hundreds of thousands of views, with patrons flooding comment sections with mixed opinions on the new look.
The restaurant first announced the redesign on Instagram last August, revealing a brighter, more open concept with new seating, lighting, and bookcases, while preserving signature items like oversized stone fireplaces and mounted taxidermy deer heads.
"New look, same Cracker Barrel! We can't wait for you to visit," the company wrote in the caption at the time.
In the post's comment section, fans appeared to be divided, with some praising the redesign as "fresh and clean" and "modern yet charming" and others criticizing it as a "downgrade," some reminiscing about the previous "eclectic" look.
While it's not uncommon for restaurant chains to update the look and feel of their establishments, some longtime Cracker Barrel fans seem to think the new elements are devoid of the restaurant's original ethos.
In the comments of a Cracker Barrel Instagram post this week, which featured a video set against the backdrop of a newly redesigned location, one user wrote, "Can we please go back to the original look? The nostalgia is gone 🥺 Surely there is another approach to bringing in more customers."
Another person wrote, "Absolutely hate the renovations. Please do not take away the character that makes it so special and cozy. I don't want another bland box store type restaurant."
Not everyone is upset about the new aesthetic. In the comments of a Cracker Barrel Instagram post last month, one person wrote of the redesign, "I love it! A simple 'brightening' along the walls. Love the food, friendly staff and charming store. Please never change the nostalgic gifts in your store."
A representative for Cracker Barrel told ABC News in a statement this week, "We are very pleased with the trajectory of our remodeled stores. Feedback from both guests and team members has been overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic about the refreshed dining and shopping experience. All of the elements of our remodels were informed by direct input from our guests and team members alike -- these changes are for them."
They added that "as with any change, we recognize that there may be a vocal minority who feel differently. However, the strong performance of these locations affirms that we are moving in the right direction."
"We hope people who haven't yet visited a remodeled store will visit us and experience the country hospitality proudly on display at every table and in every dish," they said.
Earlier this spring, Cracker Barrel said it aimed to finish the redesign on 25 to 30 restaurants out of approximately 660 total.
