Summary (tl;dr)

Cracker Barrel's CEO, Julie Masino, is stepping down after a controversial period that included a heavily criticized logo redesign, and David Deno, former CEO of Bloomin' Brands, will take over as the new chief executive.

Essential Background

Julie Masino assumed the role of President and CEO of Cracker Barrel in November 2023, tasked with a three-year transformation plan aimed at modernizing the brand, which included new menu items, staff training, and restaurant remodels. A significant part of this initiative was the introduction of a new, simplified logo in August 2025, intended to appeal to younger customers. However, the logo redesign sparked a considerable public backlash, including criticism from former President Donald Trump, leading to a nearly $100 million drop in the company's market value, and prompting Cracker Barrel to quickly revert to its original logo. Despite this controversy and subsequent activist shareholder pressure, Masino was retained by shareholders in November 2025, and the company had recently shown signs of improving sales trends.

The Full Story

On Monday, July 27, 2026, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. announced that Julie Masino will step down as CEO and as a member of the board of directors, effective August 10, 2026. David Deno, who previously served as CEO of Bloomin' Brands, the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, will succeed Masino as CEO and join the board on the same date. Masino will remain with Cracker Barrel in an advisory capacity until October 9, 2026, to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. Following the announcement, Cracker Barrel's shares experienced a more than 5% decline in midday trading.

Why It Matters

This leadership transition marks a pivotal moment for Cracker Barrel, signaling a new strategic direction following a period of attempted modernization under Julie Masino that was met with significant public and financial resistance, particularly regarding the controversial logo redesign. The appointment of David Deno, with his extensive background in the restaurant and retail industries, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the company as it navigates the challenge of evolving its brand while retaining its loyal customer base and traditional identity. The company's independent chairman, Carl Berquist, expressed confidence in Deno's ability to drive positive operational and financial momentum, and create sustainable value for shareholders, as investors closely monitor how this change will impact Cracker Barrel's future performance.

Geographic Location

• Lebanon, Wilson County, Tennessee, United States (Cracker Barrel headquarters, announcement of CEO succession)