Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino will step down and be replaced by David Deno as the company seeks to stabilize its brand.
Julie Masino will step down as the CEO of Cracker Barrel on August 10, with David Deno taking over the leadership role. Masino will remain with the company in an advisory capacity until October 9 to ensure a smooth transition. The board of directors announced the leadership turnover following a series of challenges, including a controversial rebranding effort that sparked significant backlash from customers last summer. David Deno brings decades of experience in the restaurant and retail industries to the role. He is tasked with leading the Barrel's 660-plus restaurants through a period of growth and operational excellence. The transition follows a months-long slump in sales and traffic that occurred after the company attempted to overhaul its logo and interior layout. Masino noted that the rebranding effort missed the mark, and the new leadership aims to focus on the brand's iconic status and profitable growth.