Cracker Barrel has unveiled a significant redesign of its classic Southern country store aesthetic, aiming to modernize the beloved chain with a fresh take on its interior. The new design embraces a brighter, more open concept, including flexible seating arrangements, improved lighting and striking bookcases. Despite the changes, the restaurant has retained signature elements such as oversized stone fireplaces and mounted taxidermy deer heads, preserving its unique charm.
Last August, the fast food chain was promoting its redesign enthusiastically on Instagram. They hope to make the walkable, human-scale changes permanent in 25 to 30 of their about 660 restaurants. When photos and videos featuring these reimagined spaces went up on social media, they instantly attracted hundreds of thousands of views. This renovation has ignited a fierce debate among patrons, who have taken to comment sections with polarized responses.
Over the weekend, Ohio State sports fans took to social media to gush over the Buckeyes’ new look. One Instagram commenter stated, “I love it! A simple ‘brightening’ along the walls. Love the food, friendly staff and charming store. Please never change the nostalgic gifts in your store.” Some, including advocacy organizations, spoke out against the rule changes. A different commenter lamented, “Absolutely hate the renovations. Please do not take away the character that makes it so special and cozy. I don’t want another bland box store type restaurant.”
The redesign quickly became a hotbutton issue on social media platforms, with users taking to TikTok, Instagram and X to voice their opinion on the brand’s fresh look. Although everybody seems to love the new design, a great many miss the glory days that gave the old design its charm. One user poignantly asked, “Can we please go back to the original look? The nostalgia is gone 🥺 Surely there is another approach to bringing in more customers.”
In response to the feedback, a Cracker Barrel representative stated, “We are very pleased with the trajectory of our remodeled stores. Feedback from both guests and team members has been overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic about the refreshed dining and shopping experience.” The representative acknowledged that, “as with any change, we recognize that there may be a vocal minority who feel differently. The strong performance of these locations affirms that we are moving in the right direction.”
With a new prototype design, Cracker Barrel’s goal is to combine modern looks with its rustic past. The representative encouraged visitors who have yet to see the remodeled stores to experience the hospitality that has become synonymous with the brand: “We hope people who haven’t yet visited a remodeled store will visit us and experience the country hospitality proudly on display at every table and in every dish.”
Visitors have been vigorously leaving comments, both to praise and criticize the redesign. Terms such as “fresh and clean”, “modern but cute”, and “downgrade” illustrate the polarized views experienced by customers.
