Cracker Barrel’s CEO is stepping down a year after a controversial logo change had received backlash.
The company announced on July 27 that Julie Masino will step down and be replaced with David Deno as the next Chief Executive Officer. Deno most recently was the CEO of Bloomin’ Brands, the owner of casual restaurant chains such as Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Bonefish Grill.
The change takes effect Aug. 19, a news release said.
“Following a robust and thoughtful search process, we are pleased to welcome David as Cracker Barrel’s next CEO,” Independent Chairman of the Cracker Barrel Board Carl Berquist said. “He 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.”
Masino was named CEO for Cracker Barrel in July 2023.
Cracker Barrel faced controversy over logo change
In Aug. 2025, Cracker Barrel announced it was rebranding, which included removing from its logo a man seated next to a wooden barrel. The restaurant names him in the statement as Uncle Herschel, the uncle of Cracker Barrel founder Dan Evins. The restaurant chain and country store then responded to backlash over the simplification of its logo.
“If the last few days have shown us anything, it’s how deeply people care about Cracker Barrel. We’re truly grateful for your heartfelt voices,” the company said in a statement on Aug. 25, 2025. “You’ve also shown us that we could’ve done a better job sharing who we are and who we’ll always be.”
Cracker Barrel fans took to social media to share their opinion on its new logo, with some calling on the chain to change it back.
“The new rebrand took the feeling away,” one person wrote on Cracker Barrel’s Instagram. “Cold and sterile.”
Some conservatives even suggested that the new logo is a political statement.
“WTF is wrong with @CrackerBarrel??!” Donald Trump Jr. said in response to a post on X that implied the logo may be motivated by diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Cracker Barrel CEO steps down a year after controversial logo change
Reporting by Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times | USA TODAY Network
