Cracker Barrel once again in the crosshairs, this time for un-fresh food
Cracker Barrel’s short-lived new logo (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
Cracker Barrel is accused of serving "half-baked" food, with employees claiming the chain has replaced freshly made items with frozen or reheated ones.
Changes, reportedly implemented in February to boost efficiency amid staffing shortages, include microwaving day-old meatloaf and serving "rubbery" or "hard" biscuits.
Employees state that sides like bacon, green beans, and pinto beans are now pre-cooked and reheated, leading to complaints about watery or overcooked flavors.
The shift in food preparation correlates with broader corporate adjustments, such as reduced staff hours and the removal of prep cook positions under CEO Julie Felss Masino.
These internal operational changes add to recent controversies for Cracker Barrel, following customer outrage and criticism from conservatives, including Donald Trump, over a short-lived logo rebrand.