Trump Admin Threatens Drug Makers With Price Controls<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe logo change, part of a $700 million rebranding effort, drew immediate backlash, with conservative commentators sharply criticizing the company online. At the same time, others took to social media to mock the criticism itself, highlighting the polarized reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Collin Rugg, co-owner of the Trending Politics website, characterized the rebrand and new logo as \u201cdepressing. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Republican from Florida, wrote on X, \u201cNo one asked for this woke rebrand. It\u2019s time to Make Cracker Barrel Great Again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thomas Murphy, a professor of practice in Clark University\u2019s School of Business, told Newsweek: \u201cThe desire to rebrand is typically driven by either a major change in consumer behaviors or a brand dramatically changing who they want to be going forward. In the case of Cracker Barrel, they appear to be staying consistent with the products and experience they provide to the market. Their reason for making changes is the evolution of a younger audience who may not relate as much to the original brand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The official X account for the Democratic Party also added: \u201cWe think the Cracker Barrel rebrand sucks too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conservative influencer and podcaster Owen Shroyer noted as well: \u201cThis is your logo. It\u2019s literally a cracker and a barrel. Yes, own the hilarious irony of using a racial slur against your main demographic. It will attract that younger crowd you\u2019re reaching for. Or serve better food.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One person labeled Cracker Barrel \u201cthe Bud Light of formerly great restaurants.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Cracker Barrel board member is drawing criticism from conservative commentators following the restaurant chain\u2019s recent rebrand and disclosures about its diversity initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gilbert Davila, 61, has become a focal point of the backlash after joining the company\u2019s board of directors in July 2020, during a period of major corporate restructuring. Davila is also one of Cracker Barrel\u2019s largest individual shareholders, a role that gives him significant influence over the company\u2019s strategy and direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His appointment to the board came during a broader period when many U.S. companies were reassessing brand identities and corporate policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conservative activist Robby Starbuck highlighted Davila\u2019s background in a recent video, claiming it helps explain Cracker Barrel\u2019s recent strategic shifts. Starbuck argued the changes reflect an effort to appeal to more progressive audiences while moving away from the company\u2019s traditional customer base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat qualified him for this board seat?\u201d Starbuck asked in his video. \u201cWell, you see, he\u2019s owned a DEI consulting and strategy firm for 15 years that focuses on pushing DEI and DEI advertising.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n