Cracker Barrel said Tuesday it would not remodel its restaurants after changes at the country-themed restaurant chain drew conservative backlash.
The company said in a news release that it was not going forward with plans to expand the "modern remodel design" it had implemented at a handful of its 660 locations.
Cracker Barrel reversed its changes to its logo after conservatives accused it of changing its values or going "woke."
"You’ve shared your voices in recent weeks not just on our logo, but also on our restaurants. We’re continuing to listen," the company said in a statement Tuesday. "Today, we’re suspending our remodels. If your restaurant hasn’t been remodeled, you don’t need to worry, it won’t be."
On Aug. 18, the company announced its new "All the More" campaign and logo change, which removed the old man perched on a chair and the barrel from Cracker Barrel signs.
Backlash was fierce among conservative corners of social media, including President Donald Trump, who urged the chain to change back to its old logo.
"Make Cracker Barrel a WINNER again," he wrote on Truth Social.
When Cracker Barrel announced it had heard the public's reaction and would reverse its announced change, Trump congratulated it on Truth Social. A few days later, he posted what appears to be an AI-generated video of him shaking hands with the old man in the company's logo and the pair dancing to "YMCA" on X.
The company's stock swung wildly amid the announcements and changes. It is down more than 11% from a month ago, several days before the changes were announced.
Cracker Barrel has admitted that it "could have done a better job" with the rollout of the now-moot changes.
"We heard clearly that the modern remodel design does not reflect what you love about Cracker Barrel," it said Tuesday.
It added that "the vintage Americana you love will always be here — the rocking chairs on the porch, our fireplaces and peg games, unique treasures in our gift shop and antiques pulled straight from our warehouse in Lebanon, Tennessee."
Cracker Barrel has restaurants in 43 states and employs more than 70,000 people, according to its website.
