Cracker Barrel New Dining Rule Sparks Controversy Following Leaked Memo, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is making headlines again, but this time it isn’t for its biscuits. A leaked internal memo has revealed a cracker barrel new dining rule that is raising eyebrows among employees and industry analysts alike.
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According to the leaked document, the company is drastically tightening its travel and expense policies. Under the new guidance, corporate employees traveling for business are now “expected” to dine at Cracker Barrel locations for the majority of their meals.
What is the Cracker Barrel New Dining Rule?
The policy shift, which surfaced in early February 2026, focuses on two major changes to how the company handles employee expenses:
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Mandatory “Brand Loyalty”: Employees on the road must eat at Cracker Barrel stores whenever “practical based on location and schedule.” If an employee chooses to dine elsewhere, they may now be forced to cover the costs out of their own pocket.
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Alcohol Restrictions: The memo also outlines a strict ban on alcohol reimbursement. Any exceptions for special occasions now require high-level approval from “E-Team” members.
Why the Change? Financial Headwinds and Rebranding Fallout
This cracker barrel new dining rule comes at a precarious time for the heritage brand. After a “disastrous” rebranding attempt in 2025—which saw the iconic Uncle Herschel mascot briefly removed—the company reportedly lost nearly $100 million in market value.
While the company has since restored its classic logo and “Old Country Store” charm, the financial scars remain. Recent Q1 2026 reports show a 5.7% decrease in total revenue, prompting CEO Julie Masino to implement aggressive cost-saving initiatives, including corporate layoffs and these new, stricter travel mandates.
Public and Employee Reaction
The internal reaction to the cracker barrel new dining rule has been mixed. While some view it as a sensible way to save money and ensure corporate staff stay connected to the “front-line” guest experience, others see it as an unnecessary overreach.
“It feels less like brand loyalty and more like a lack of trust,” one anonymous employee shared on social media. Critics argue that forcing employees to eat the same menu every day while traveling could lead to “brand fatigue” and lower morale.
Looking Ahead: Will it Save the Brand?
As Cracker Barrel navigates the rest of 2026, the focus remains on regaining the trust of its core Southern audience while stabilizing its balance sheet. Whether these “common sense” cost-cutting measures will be enough to offset declining foot traffic remains to be seen.
