🔥 Trending Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino Steps Down Amidst Logo Backlash

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. announced on Monday, July 27, 2026, that its Chief Executive Officer, Julie Masino, will step down from her role as CEO and board member, effective August 10, 2026 ¹²⁷. David Deno has been appointed as the new CEO and will also join the company's board on the same date ¹²⁷. Masino will remain in an advisory capacity until October 9, 2026 ².

Background on Julie Masino's Tenure and the Logo Controversy

Julie Masino's departure comes after a three-year tenure marked by efforts to significantly change the family dining chain ⁵. A key event during her leadership was an attempt to rebrand the company, which sparked considerable controversy and customer backlash ³⁴⁶⁸.

The 2025 Logo Redesign

In summer 2025, specifically on August 19, 2025, Cracker Barrel unveiled a new, simplified logo as part of a rebranding initiative ⁴. This modernized logo was met with strong negative reactions from customers, with many calling it "woke" and "soulless" ⁹¹⁰. The backlash was so intense that the company eventually reverted to its iconic, traditional logo featuring "Uncle Hershel" ⁹.

Impact and Repercussions

The logo redesign and subsequent backlash occurred nearly a year before Masino's resignation ³⁶⁸. The controversy, coupled with falling revenue, contributed to the pressure leading to her departure ³. Social media played a significant role in amplifying the criticism against the rebranding efforts ⁹.

Leadership Transition

David Deno, who will assume the CEO position on August 10, 2026, is expected to lead Cracker Barrel forward following this period of change and customer feedback ¹²⁷. The company's announcement of the CEO succession was made via a press release on July 27, 2026 ²⁶.