Cracker Barrel responds to reports about employee – Business News
Cracker Barrel responded to reports that it requires staff to eat completely at its eating places whereas touring for work, noting that the steerage just isn’t new.
The Southern-themed restaurant chain informed FOX Business that its eating coverage was first launched in June 2024 and emphasised that staff touring for business are inspired — however not required — to eat at Cracker Barrel areas.
“The policy for employees to dine at Cracker Barrel while traveling for business, whenever practical based on location and schedule, is not new,” the company informed FOX Business.
“Also, it is not the only place that our employees may eat when on the road, as previously reported. The change was to further limit reimbursement of alcoholic beverages under the policy.”
The clarification follows a current report highlighting Cracker Barrel’s inner employee insurance policies.
According to an inner message reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, staff are inspired to delay work-related journey when doable and, when journey is unavoidable, are anticipated to dine at Cracker Barrel areas when sensible.
“Employees are expected to dine at a Cracker Barrel store for all or the majority of meals while traveling, whenever practical based on location and schedule,” the company wrote.
Cracker Barrel can also be reportedly tightening its journey expense coverage relating to alcohol, requiring staff pay out of pocket for alcoholic drinks.
Cracker Barrel informed FOX Business that it requires staff to eat completely at its eating places whereas touring for work. YouTube / Glenn Beck, and BlazeTV
Any exceptions should obtain prior approval, The Wall Street Journal reported.
“Exceptions for special occasions must be pre-approved by an E-Team member,” Cracker Barrel stated.
Cracker Barrel has struggled in current months, together with going through buyer outrage final summer season over a emblem redesign that eliminated its iconic “Old Timer” character, a determination the company later reversed.
During its fiscal first-quarter 2026 earnings call in December, CEO Julie Masino stated the company’s turnaround is taking longer than anticipated.
The Southern-themed restaurant chain stated the coverage was launched in June 2024, emphasizing that staff touring for business are inspired — however not required — to eat at Cracker Barrel areas. Universal Images Group through Getty
Sales fell 5.7% in contrast with the identical period final 12 months.
“As you are all aware, the past few months have been difficult for Cracker Barrel and for our 70,000 team members around the country,” Masino stated.
Start your day with all you need to know
Morning Report delivers the newest information, videos, photographs and more.
Thanks for signing up!
“And while many of our guests are enjoying our improved food and guest experience, we certainly have more work to do to regain the trust and confidence of others who have been slower to return.”
Cracker Barrel shares are up more than 30% 12 months to date.
