Former Cracker Barrel employee Steve Smotherman led an LGBT resource group and worked with the Human Rights Campaign to change the restaurant chain's workplace culture.

The Democratic party and California governor joined the backlash against the Southern restaurant chain’s new design.

Taking aim at Cracker Barrel with a string of posts on X, Indianapolis-based burger chain Steak ‘n Shake wrote: “This is what happens when you have a board that does not respect their historical customers or their brand. At Steak n Shake, we have gone back to basics. Our tallow fries are waiting for you. Oh yeah, you can also now pay with Bitcoin!”

Cracker Barrel’s decision to update its menu, redesign its restaurant interior and change its logo has caused outrage across the country. In particular, company co-founder Jack Lowery fears the changes could disrupt its future.

Tipping hit a seven-year low, Cracker Barrel changed its look, and LinkedIn crowned the top AI-focused colleges.

According to Fox Business's August 21, 2025, report, the online backlash regarding the restaurant chain's new simplistic logo ended up plummeting their stock. On Thursday, the Southern country-themed chain's stock saw a drop of 7.2%, causing a loss of $94 million.

Cracker Barrel has been the talk of the town over the last few days, and if their new rebrand has proven anything, it’s that folks love what’s familiar to them. The restaurant chain and gift store, known for serving up country classics with a cozy feel,

Cracker Barrel joins Target, Bud Light and other companies facing public outcry over corporate decisions as its new logo change triggers investor unease.