Cracker Barrel CEO Announces Major Leadership and Design Changes After Logo Backlash
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has announced significant changes in its leadership and design direction. The company's CEO, Julie Masino, revealed these shifts following a controversial logo change and subsequent decline in customer visits.
The most notable change is the departure of Matt Benton, the vice president of marketing. Benton is leaving the company after the new logo, introduced in August, sparked online news and even criticism from former President Donald Trump. The new logo replaced the iconic man in overalls and barrel, leading to an 8% drop in traffic in the month following the change, with projections suggesting a further 7% to 8% decline for the rest of the quarter.
Cracker Barrel has since reverted to its original logo, acknowledging the mistake. In addition to the logo change, the company also introduced a more modern restaurant design, featuring a mostly white interior that replaced the traditional dark woods and tchotchkes. However, this redesign, executed by Prophet, was suspended after being rolled out at four locations. Cracker Barrel has since ended its engagement with Prophet.
To fill Benton's position, Cracker Barrel is welcoming back Thomas Yun, a former executive. Meanwhile, the design agency responsible for the controversial new logo and restaurant renovations, Pentagram, has also left the company.
Cracker Barrel's leadership changes and design reversals reflect the company's response to customer feedback. The return to the classic logo and the appointment of Thomas Yun signal a commitment to rebuilding customer trust and maintaining the brand's iconic identity.
Read also:
- Successfully Transformed Setback into Thriving Food Truck and Restaurant Venture: Insights Revealed
- "Millionaire openly shares three straightforward strategies credited for my wealth accumulation - strategies easily accessible for all"
- Pursuing Greater Horizons or Seeking Additional Dimensions
- Escalating Political Instability and Polarization Intensify the Threat of an Uncontrolled Shift Towards Sustainability
