Amid financial issues, Cracker Barrel cuts employee meal spending. What to know

Cracker Barrel employees are facing fewer, less luxurious work travel dining options in the new year, the Wall Street Journal reported.

An internal memo obtained by the WSJ requested workers push business trips later into 2026, dine mainly at Cracker Barrel restaurants and pay for their own alcoholic beverages while traveling. The cost-cutting move was prompted by a recent drop in revenue.

The southern “country” style restaurant-store chain features 15 locations throughout Michigan.

In August 2025, the company unveiled a new, simplified logo that immediately led to customer backlash.

President Donald Trump even weighed in, writing in a Truth Social post that the chain could earn “free publicity” if it went back to its old logo.

On Aug. 26, the same day as Trump’s initial post, Cracker Barrel said it would drop the new logo and return to the “Old Timer.”

“We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel. We said we would listen, and we have,” the company’s statement said. “Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain.”

During its quarterly financial results call with investors on Dec. 9, Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino acknowledged the chain has had a “difficult” past few months.

“While many of our guests are enjoying our improved food and guest experience, we certainly have more work to do to regain the trust and confidence of other who have been slower to return,” she said.

For the financial quarter between Aug. 1 and Oct. 31, Cracker Barrel said its revenue was down 5.7% compared to the same quarter the year prior.

Here’s what to know about Cracker Barrel’s new employee rule.

What is Cracker Barrel’s new employee guideline?

Cracker Barrel recently issued an internal memo asking employees to dine mainly at Cracker Barrel during business travel, the Wall Street Journal reported. Workers will also have to pay for their own alcohol, with limited exceptions under the new guidance.

The dining change came as part of a request to delay work trips until further into 2026, a cost-cutting measure amid a recent revenue drop, per the memo.

What is Cracker Barrel?

Cracker Barrel is a southern country-themed store and restaurant chain started in 1969, according to its website.

Where is Cracker Barrel in Michigan?

Cracker Barrel has 15 locations across Michigan. You can find them in the following cities:

• Battle Creek
• Bay City
• Belleville
• Bridgeport
• Brighton
• Flint
• Grandville
• Jackson
• Lansing
• Monroe
• Okemos
• Port Huron
• Roseville
• Stevensville
• Traverse City

Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY contributed.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.