Cracker Barrel is going back to its roots.
Just one week after unveiling a modernized logo, the restaurant and country store announced it is scrapping the redesign and returning to its classic “Old Timer.”
On Tuesday (Aug. 26), the iconic chain confirmed the decision in a statement shared with USA Today.
“We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel. We said we would listen, and we have,” the statement reads.
Read More: What Everyone Gets Wrong About the Old Cracker Barrel Logo
The company continues, “Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain.”
Why the Change Was Made — and Why Fans Rejected It
The new logo debuted on August 19 as part of a fall menu campaign aimed at modernizing the brand and moving away from its nostalgia-heavy aesthetic.
Executives described it as an “enhanced brand look” designed to streamline Cracker Barrel’s style.
But many longtime customers weren’t ready to let go of the old-school charm.
“If the last few days have shown us anything, it’s how deeply people care about Cracker Barrel,” the company acknowledged in a follow-up statement on Aug. 25.
Cracker Barrel added, “You’ve also shown us that we could’ve done a better job sharing who we are and who we’ll always be.”
Even Politicians Weighed In
The backlash was swift — and it wasn’t just diners who voiced frustration.
Both former President Donald Trump and the Democratic Party criticized the change.
“Make lots of money and, most importantly, make your customers happy again!” Trump posted on Truth Social after Cracker Barrel announced the return of its original logo.
Financial Fallout
The logo rollout also had consequences on Wall Street.
Cracker Barrel’s stock fell 7% on Aug. 21 after the redesign drew widespread criticism.
Following the announcement that the “Old Timer” was coming back, shares rebounded, climbing more than 9.5% in after-hours trading, according to Yahoo Finance.
The logo change was part of a broader plan to shift toward a sleeker, less cluttered look — but for many loyal fans, it felt like losing what made Cracker Barrel unique.
Read More: Cracker Barrel Stock-Bashing Is Short-Sighted
“Cracker Barrel always stood out for its uniqueness, but now it’s nothing more than a Denny’s with a gift shop,” customer Destiny Alexander told the Victorville Daily Press.
The Old Timer Returns
For fans, Cracker Barrel’s reversal marks a win for nostalgia — and for the voices who urged the company to hold on to its roots.
“Our ‘Old Timer’ will remain,” the company promised.
25 Country Stars With Their Own Bars + Restaurants
Of all of the side hustles country artists could partake in, opening a bar or restaurant is the most fitting — and very common. After all, many of these stars got their start on a barstool, tip jar nearby, playing their music for anyone who would listen.
These places feel like home for many of these singers. Over the years, several artists have gotten into the bar or restaurant game, and for a select few, brands have turned into franchises with several locations and/or concepts — we’re looking at you, Jimmy Buffett!
Let’s take a look at the country star food and entertainment venues that have opened over the years.
Gallery Credit: Jess
