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Cracker Barrel replaces CEO less than a year after failed remodel, new logo

By
FOX Local
Business
Updated July 27, 2026 3:14 PM CDT Published July 27, 2026 2:36 PM CDT
article

A Cracker Barrel sign featuring the old logo hangs outside of a restaurant on August 27, 2025 in Florida City, Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The Brief

    • Cracker Barrel announced David Deno would replace Julie Masino as CEO in two weeks.
    • The move comes less than a year after the southern food restaurant chain reversed course on a remodel in the face of public criticism.
    • The company also recently sold its Maple Street Biscuit Company brand and completed a sale-leaseback at 26 locations.

The chief executive officer who was in charge at Cracker Barrel during its disastrous remodeling plan that included an attempt to update the logo and was quickly reversed in the wake of public backlash has been replaced.

Big picture view:

David Deno will take the reins of the southern food restaurant chain in two weeks, the company announced Monday. Deno will take over as CEO at Cracker Barrel after serving in the same role at Bloomin’ Brands, which manages several restaurant chains including Outback Steakhouse and Carrabba’s Italian Grill, between 2019 and 2024, according to the statement announcing the move. 

Cracker Barrel announces David Deno would take over as CEO on August 10, 2026. (Source: Cracker Barrel)

By the numbers:

"(Deno) brings decades of experience across the restaurant and retail industries, with a strong track record of leading businesses through growth and a demonstrated commitment to operational excellence, guest experience, and team member engagement," said Carl Berquist, who chairs the Cracker Barrel Board.

The backstory:

While current CEO Julie Masino will step down from that role when Deno takes over on August 10, she will hold an advisory position until October 9 to help with the transition. Masino had been in charge last year when the company revealed plans to roll out its "modern remodel design" to hundreds of its locations. 

At the time, only four of its 660 restaurants had implemented the remodel, but the change made national news and received harsh criticism from many customers. Cracker Barrel quickly reversed course and assured its patrons that restaurants that had not received the new look would not get it and that the company would keep its "Old Timer" logo. 

What they're saying:

"Cracker Barrel is a truly iconic American brand, defined by its unique combination of warm country hospitality, timeless appeal, and deep connection with guests across generations. I am honored to lead the Cracker Barrel team and look forward to unlocking the full potential of this remarkable brand," Deno said.

Dig deeper:

Cracker Barrel detailed its coming change at the top less than a week after saying it sold the Maple Street Biscuit Company brand and the assets tied to 35 locations to Biscuit Belly, LLC. The remaining 16 Maple Street restaurants would be shuttered.

Separately, Cracker Barrel completed a sale-leaseback deal for 26 company-owned locations that was expected to net roughly $77 million for the company as it looked to shed debt.

The Source: Information for this article was taken from Cracker Barrel and previous coverage. This story was reported from Orlando.


 

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