Who Owns Cracker Barrel?

• Parent Company: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
• Ownership Type: Wholly owned
• Company Type: Publicly Traded
• Stock Ticker: NASDAQ: CBRL

• Founded: 1969
• Founders: Dan Evins, Tommy Lowe

• Founded: 1969
• Headquarters: Lebanon, Tennessee, USA
• Company Type: Publicly Traded
• Stock: NASDAQ: CBRL
• Revenue: $3.48 billion (FY2025)
• Employees: Approximately 73,000

Visit Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. website

• Headquarters: Lebanon, Tennessee, USA
• Manufacturing / Operations: United States, 45 states nationwide

Cracker Barrel operates with a comprehensive sustainability framework focused on environmental responsibility, ethical business practices, and community engagement. As a country-themed restaurant chain with 660 locations across 43 states, Cracker Barrel has implemented significant sustainability initiatives while maintaining its commitment to traditional American hospitality values.

Environmental Sustainability: Cracker Barrel has taken significant steps in 2024 to reduce its environmental footprint through eco-friendly packaging materials and energy conservation initiatives. The company has implemented LED lighting across its restaurant locations to reduce energy consumption and has introduced sustainable packaging solutions to minimize environmental impact while maintaining food quality and safety standards.

Comprehensive ESG Framework: Cracker Barrel maintains detailed environmental, social, and governance policies including an Environment, Health and Safety Policy that guides operational sustainability practices. The company publishes an annual ESG Report providing transparency about its sustainability performance and progress toward environmental and social goals.

Animal Welfare Standards: Cracker Barrel maintains a comprehensive Animal Welfare Position Statement that outlines the company's commitment to responsible animal sourcing and humane treatment practices. The company works with suppliers to ensure animal welfare standards are met throughout its supply chain, reflecting its commitment to ethical food sourcing.

Labor and Human Rights: The company maintains a Labor and Human Rights Policy that ensures fair treatment of employees and ethical labor practices throughout its operations. With 70,000 employees nationwide, Cracker Barrel emphasizes creating a workplace culture that values diversity, inclusion, and professional development while maintaining safe working conditions.

Supplier Code of Conduct: Cracker Barrel enforces a Supplier Code of Conduct that ensures ethical business practices throughout its supply chain. The company works with suppliers who share its commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical business practices, ensuring that products served in restaurants meet high standards for safety and environmental responsibility.

Community Engagement: As a proud American institution, Cracker Barrel demonstrates community responsibility through local engagement and support for the communities it serves. The company maintains its commitment to traditional American values while implementing modern sustainability practices that benefit both the environment and local communities.

Ethical Business Practices: Cracker Barrel operates under a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that ensures integrity in all business operations. The company maintains high standards of corporate governance and transparency while balancing traditional values with modern business practices and sustainability initiatives.

Cracker Barrel has received recognition for its workplace culture, community engagement, and traditional American hospitality, establishing itself as a beloved American restaurant chain with strong customer loyalty and brand recognition.

Workplace Culture Recognition: Cracker Barrel has been acknowledged for creating a positive workplace environment for its 70,000 employees across 660 locations in 43 states. The company's commitment to employee development and workplace culture has been recognized as a key factor in its ability to deliver consistent customer service and maintain its reputation for warm hospitality.

Customer Loyalty Awards: The restaurant chain has received recognition for exceptional customer loyalty and brand recognition, particularly in markets where it has maintained a strong presence for decades. Cracker Barrel's ability to maintain consistent customer satisfaction while adapting to changing consumer preferences demonstrates its successful brand management.

Community Impact Recognition: Cracker Barrel has been acknowledged for its community engagement and support for local communities across its 43-state footprint. The company's commitment to being a proud American institution while serving local communities has been recognized as meaningful community impact.

Traditional American Brand Recognition: As a country-themed restaurant chain that has maintained its traditional American values and hospitality, Cracker Barrel has received recognition for preserving American cultural elements while implementing modern business practices. The company's ability to balance tradition with innovation has been acknowledged as successful brand management.

Supply Chain Ethics Recognition: Cracker Barrel's comprehensive supplier code of conduct and ethical sourcing practices have been recognized as responsible business practices in the restaurant industry. The company's commitment to animal welfare and sustainable sourcing demonstrates leadership in ethical food service operations.

Financial Performance Recognition: Despite facing some challenges, Cracker Barrel has been recognized for its financial resilience and ability to maintain profitability while investing in sustainability initiatives and employee development. The company's strategic transformation efforts have been acknowledged as forward-thinking business planning.

Brand Heritage Recognition: Cracker Barrel's 70+ year history as an American restaurant institution has been recognized as a significant achievement in the competitive restaurant industry. The company's ability to maintain relevance while preserving its traditional elements demonstrates exceptional brand management and cultural preservation.

Cracker Barrel has faced several significant controversies, particularly related to branding changes, discrimination allegations, and community treatment issues, though no major food safety recalls have been reported.

2024 Logo Change Backlash: In August 2024, Cracker Barrel faced intense conservative backlash when it introduced a new "All the More" campaign and logo that removed the iconic old man ("Old Timer") perched on a chair and the barrel from restaurant signs. Conservative critics accused the country-themed restaurant chain of abandoning its traditional values or being "woke." The controversy was so significant that President Donald Trump weighed in on Truth Social, urging the company to return to its old logo. After shares plummeted nearly 13% following the logo change announcement, Cracker Barrel reversed the decision just one day later, stating: "Our new logo is going away and our 'Old Timer' will remain."

Race Discrimination Class Action: Cracker Barrel faced a major race discrimination class action lawsuit concerning discrimination in pay and promotion, as well as discrimination against African-American customers. The United States Department of Justice intervened in the case, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations. The case raised significant concerns about equal treatment and diversity within the company's operations and customer service practices.

Special Education Group Treatment: In December 2024, Cracker Barrel faced criticism over its treatment of a special education group, sparking backlash that required company executives to meet with school officials and affected families to address the issue. The incident damaged the company's reputation and required significant effort to rebuild trust with the community and demonstrate that lessons had been learned to avoid similar controversies.

Perceived Value Changes: Beyond the logo controversy, Cracker Barrel has faced ongoing scrutiny from conservative customers who worry that the company might be abandoning its traditional American values. The company has had to repeatedly reassure customers that its core values remain unchanged while implementing modern business practices and sustainability initiatives.

Workplace Diversity Challenges: As a traditional American company, Cracker Barrel has faced challenges related to workplace diversity and inclusion. The company has had to balance maintaining its traditional brand identity with creating an inclusive workplace environment that reflects modern diversity and inclusion standards.

Supply Chain Ethics Scrutiny: Like many restaurant chains, Cracker Barrel faces ongoing scrutiny regarding its supply chain practices, particularly related to animal welfare and sustainable sourcing. The company must balance cost efficiency with ethical sourcing practices while maintaining quality standards for its menu items.

Economic Sensitivity: Cracker Barrel's positioning as a mid-scale family restaurant makes it particularly sensitive to economic downturns and changes in consumer spending patterns. The company has had to adapt its pricing and value propositions during various economic cycles while maintaining its brand identity and quality standards.