Cracker Barrel is getting a new boss. Masino will stay on as an advisor until Oct. 9 to help with the transition.
The leadership transition occurs after a difficult period for the chain. In December, the chain's earnings missed forecasts, and weak sales persisted well into 2026. Quarterly revenue and profits fell year-over-year in the March 2026 earnings report, though results beat analysts' estimates.
Cracker Barrel has long faced difficulty in appealing to both younger customers and its traditional base, a challenge that continues to drag down sales. Its attempt to modernize with a rebrand angered loyal patrons and failed to boost traffic.
Carl Berquist, the independent chairman of Cracker Barrel's board, said the search for a new CEO was thorough. "Following a robust and thoughtful search process, we are pleased to welcome David as Cracker Barrel's next CEO," Berquist said in the announcement. He praised Deno's experience across restaurants and retail, calling him "the right leader to continue building on the Cracker Barrel legacy, drive further positive momentum operationally and financially, and create sustainable value for our shareholders."
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The company has been working on a company-wide overhaul that included the rebrand, new menu items, and redesigned dining rooms. The overhaul cost $700 million across the company's 660-plus restaurants.
The rebranding effort, which introduced a modernized logo and tweaked menu items, sparked immediate backlash from longtime customers who cherished the chain's traditional country-store identity. Within a week, the company reversed course and restored its familiar branding, but the misstep added to investor unease as same-store sales continued to slide.
As of late Monday morning, Cracker Barrel's shares were down around 5.6%.
David Deno described Cracker Barrel as a "truly iconic American brand, defined by its unique combination of warm country hospitality, timeless appeal, and deep connection with guests across generations." He said he looks forward to "unlocking the full potential of this remarkable brand," which will include a focus on "delivering delicious food and exceptional experiences for our guests, while driving profitable growth."
Outgoing CEO Julie Masino said on the March 2026 earnings call, "Cracker Barrel was gaining traction," and noted that leaders were "encouraged by some important guest metrics and green shoots around traffic, and we're energized in terms of driving improved performance."
The leadership change comes as Cracker Barrel attempts to reverse a prolonged sales slump. The company's efforts to modernize have met resistance from its core customers, who value the chain's nostalgic appeal. The failed rebrand highlighted the challenge of balancing innovation with tradition. With new leadership, the company hopes to stabilize its financial performance and regain investor confidence.
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