Cracker Barrel Clarifies Employee Travel Dining Policy Following Viral Reports
Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino recently addressed the backlash the company faced following its controversial redesign this year during an interview with The Blaze’s Glenn Beck.
In response to reports suggesting that Cracker Barrel mandates employees to dine exclusively at its restaurants while traveling for work, the company clarified that this guidance is not new.
The Southern-themed restaurant chain informed FOX Business that its dining policy was first implemented in June 2024. They emphasized that employees traveling for business are encouraged—though not required—to eat at Cracker Barrel locations.
“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 stated. “Additionally, it is not the only place that our employees may eat when on the road, as previously reported. The change was primarily aimed at further limiting reimbursement for alcoholic beverages under the policy.”
CRACKER BARREL DINERS ARE SOUNDING THE ALARM; HERE’S WHAT REPORTEDLY HAS THEM FURIOUS
A Cracker Barrel sign outside a location in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 23, 2019. (Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
This clarification comes in light of a recent report that scrutinized Cracker Barrel’s internal employee policies. According to an internal message reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, employees are encouraged to postpone work-related travel when feasible and, if travel is necessary, are expected to dine at Cracker Barrel locations when practical.
“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 stated.
A Cracker Barrel Country Store in Fishkill, N.Y., Aug. 25, 2025. (Richard Beetham for Fox News Digital)
Additionally, Cracker Barrel is tightening its travel expense policy regarding alcohol, now requiring employees to cover the cost of alcoholic beverages out of pocket. Any exceptions must receive prior approval, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
“Exceptions for special occasions must be pre-approved by an E-Team member,” Cracker Barrel stated.
The company has faced challenges in recent months, including significant customer outrage last summer over a logo redesign that eliminated its iconic “Old Timer” character, a decision that was later reversed.
During the fiscal first-quarter 2026 earnings call in December, CEO Julie Masino acknowledged that the company’s turnaround is taking longer than anticipated.
CRACKER BARREL CEO BREAKS SILENCE ON LOGO U-TURN
Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino walks out of an office building in Brentwood, Tenn., Aug. 28, 2025. (Zak Bennett for Fox News Digital)
Sales have dropped by 5.7% compared to the same period last year.
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“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 remarked. “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.”
Despite these challenges, Cracker Barrel shares have increased by over 30% year to date.
FOX Business’ Greg Wehner and Eric Revell contributed to this report.
Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino recently addressed the backlash the company faced following its controversial redesign this year during an interview with The Blaze’s Glenn Beck.
In response to reports suggesting that Cracker Barrel mandates employees to dine exclusively at its restaurants while traveling for work, the company clarified that this guidance is not new.
The Southern-themed restaurant chain informed FOX Business that its dining policy was first implemented in June 2024. They emphasized that employees traveling for business are encouraged—though not required—to eat at Cracker Barrel locations.
“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 stated. “Additionally, it is not the only place that our employees may eat when on the road, as previously reported. The change was primarily aimed at further limiting reimbursement for alcoholic beverages under the policy.”
CRACKER BARREL DINERS ARE SOUNDING THE ALARM; HERE’S WHAT REPORTEDLY HAS THEM FURIOUS
A Cracker Barrel sign outside a location in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 23, 2019. (Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
This clarification comes in light of a recent report that scrutinized Cracker Barrel’s internal employee policies. According to an internal message reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, employees are encouraged to postpone work-related travel when feasible and, if travel is necessary, are expected to dine at Cracker Barrel locations when practical.
“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 stated.
A Cracker Barrel Country Store in Fishkill, N.Y., Aug. 25, 2025. (Richard Beetham for Fox News Digital)
Additionally, Cracker Barrel is tightening its travel expense policy regarding alcohol, now requiring employees to cover the cost of alcoholic beverages out of pocket. Any exceptions must receive prior approval, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
“Exceptions for special occasions must be pre-approved by an E-Team member,” Cracker Barrel stated.
The company has faced challenges in recent months, including significant customer outrage last summer over a logo redesign that eliminated its iconic “Old Timer” character, a decision that was later reversed.
During the fiscal first-quarter 2026 earnings call in December, CEO Julie Masino acknowledged that the company’s turnaround is taking longer than anticipated.
CRACKER BARREL CEO BREAKS SILENCE ON LOGO U-TURN
Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino walks out of an office building in Brentwood, Tenn., Aug. 28, 2025. (Zak Bennett for Fox News Digital)
Sales have dropped by 5.7% compared to the same period last year.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
“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 remarked. “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.”
Despite these challenges, Cracker Barrel shares have increased by over 30% year to date.
FOX Business’ Greg Wehner and Eric Revell contributed to this report.
