Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is making big changes to its restaurants, but not everyone is happy about it. The Tennessee-based chain has been remodeling locations, and while company leaders say the updates are meant to make stores brighter and more welcoming, many longtime fans say the new look feels too different from the Cracker Barrel they know.
Chief Marketing Officer Sarah Moore told Fox News Digital earlier this year that the company has been “testing various levels of remodels” across different locations. She explained that the goal is to keep the country charm and hospitality while freshening things up for a wider audience.
But the reaction online suggests that some customers aren’t convinced.
This ain’t my Cracker Barrel. Can they please go back to the old design. Because this new layout is a complete joke https://t.co/kHsODhU8Yq
— Evan (@evanholmquist) August 5, 2025
A recent Instagram post from Cracker Barrel, featuring the caption “Nothin’ a little Cracker Barrel can’t fix,” quickly drew criticism in the comments. “The remodel is 🤮,” one person wrote. Another said, “Now this place looks like every other chain restaurant. Bland and boring.” Others asked, “WHAT are you thinking with that interior?!”
Another said:
Cracker Barrel’s new look? This is so boring and hideous and predictable🤢 https://t.co/Jg4lMV24PE
— MaggieMay (@HRHmaggie) August 6, 2025
Moore emphasized that staples like the signature rocking chairs, biscuits, peg games, and antique decorations aren’t going anywhere. She said the updates are about enhancing the “physical guest experience” while keeping the brand’s core identity.
Despite that reassurance, videos showing the remodeled interiors have gone viral — and the response is largely negative. Rachel Love, a content creator from Tennessee, posted a video of the new look that has been viewed over 2 million times and sparked thousands of comments since May. Another clip from @thecoachduggs, filmed inside a remodeled location, has racked up more than 6 million views since August 2. His caption was blunt: “At a remodeled Cracker Barrel. I hate it.”
That video was followed by another post aimed directly at the company: “The people have spoken. Stop it.” Comments poured in, with messages like “HATE IT” and “What a disaster!!”
Moore said the company takes feedback from all sources — including social media — very seriously. Throughout the remodeling process, Cracker Barrel has sought input from loyal customers, former guests, and potential new diners. “We truly want to understand how they feel about all the elements, whether it’s about the remodels or the menu or the full brand transformation framework,” she said.
@CrackerBarrel The Board of Directors should immediately terminate Sarah Moore and everyone else involved with this horrible idea, I guess it’s fine if you just want to be another Denny’s. I won’t be spending any money as it’s is now! https://t.co/4NpzqVz7ch
— Scott (@ScottT1D) August 10, 2025
She also noted that understanding the “social media narrative” is part of the company’s strategy, adding that Cracker Barrel wants to dig deep into what fans are saying.
While the chain insists the heart of its brand will remain the same, the debate shows no signs of slowing down. Loyal customers are watching closely to see whether these changes will truly preserve the old Cracker Barrel experience — or transform it into something entirely new.
For now, the company is walking a fine line between keeping its longtime guests comfortable and attracting new visitors, all while facing intense scrutiny in the court of public opinion. And online, at least, the verdict is still very much undecided.
