Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino steps down – Business News
Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino is stepping down after the failure of her “woke” rebrand final 12 months, which was rolled back following intense backlash from loyal clients, the company introduced Monday.
David Deno, a restaurant exec who most not too long ago served as CEO of Bloomin’ Brands, which owns Outback Steakhouse, will substitute Masino on August 10, in accordance with a Cracker Barrel press release.
Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino speaks at a summit on Oct. 21, 2025. REUTERS
David Deno (proper) was named the subsequent Cracker Barrel CEO. Star Tribune by way of Getty Images
Her departure comes after much less than three years on the helm, during which diners revolted in opposition to the company’s makes an attempt to modernize the Southern eating chain by axing its beloved mascot Uncle Herschel and revamping eating places with out its telltale tchotchkes.
Cracker Barrel clients slammed the chain’s rebranding in 2025. Christopher Sadowski
Following heated backlash from longtime clients and even President Trump himself, Cracker Barrel reversed the adjustments and leaned into its folksy allure – finally sending the stock up 100% up to now this 12 months.
