Cracker Barrel’s Travel Dine-in Policy and the Backlash It Sparked

Cracker Barrel, the well-known restaurant chain famous for Southern cuisine like chicken fried steaks and grits, has recently been in the spotlight due to a company guideline regarding employee dining during business trips. The policy, which gained widespread attention following a report by The Wall Street Journal, mandates that employees should eat at Cracker Barrel establishments while traveling for work whenever it is practical.

The directive suggests that employees of Cracker Barrel are expected to dine at the company’s outlets for most of their meals during business travel, based on the location and schedule. However, there has been some misunderstanding about the policy’s extent, as noted in an internal communication revealed by the Wall Street Journal. The guideline also specifies that for any special occasions requiring alcohol, prior approval from an E-Team member is necessary.

Although this rule has been in place since June 2024, according to a statement from Cracker Barrel to NBC News, the company clarified that it should not prevent employees from dining elsewhere. The policy aims to limit the reimbursement of alcoholic beverages, which was a recent change made to the existing rules.

“The policy for employees to dine at Cracker Barrel while traveling for business, whenever practical, based on location and schedule, is not new,” the company stated. “Also, it is not the only place that our employees may eat when on the road.”

This practice is part of a broader trend known as “travelscrimping,” where companies seek to reduce travel costs amid economic challenges. This method can include opting for more economical lodging options or encouraging employees to prepare their meals instead of dining out. The revelation of Cracker Barrel’s expense-reducing strategies has sparked criticism, suggesting the company is overly strict on expenses.

This is not the first time Cracker Barrel has faced public backlash. Previously, in an attempt to update their branding, the company introduced a new logo, replacing the iconic “Old Timer,” which features a figurine leaning against a barrel. This move was criticized by some, including former President Donald Trump, who labeled the change as “too woke.” Responding to customer feedback, Cracker Barrel reverted to their original logo, demonstrating their willingness to listen to their patrons.

Cracker Barrel operates restaurants across 43 states, maintaining a significant presence in the American dining scene while managing its image and internal policies in the ever-evolving marketplace.