Cracker Barrel's CEO Resigns Amid Leadership Changes

WHO:

Fast Company - David Deno is the new CEO of Cracker Barrel, succeeding Julie Masino.

Fast Company - Julie Masino joined Cracker Barrel in 2023 after serving as Taco Bell’s president of international business.

CNN - Board member Gilbert Dávila, a longtime marketing and diversity specialist, did not receive enough votes to stay on the board and resigned.

CBS News US - Carl Berquist is the independent Chairman of the Cracker Barrel Board.

CBS News US - David Deno is the most recent CEO of Bloomin' Brands.

IJR - Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino will step down.

CBS News US - David Deno will replace Julie Masino as CEO.

WHAT:

CBS News US - Deno stated, "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."

Fox Business - Deno expressed, "We are confident David is 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."

CNN - Masino stated, "I feel like I’ve been fired by America," during a lengthy interview with conservative radio host Glenn Beck.

Fast Company - Cracker Barrel's stock has risen about 89% since the start of the year.

Fox Business - Carl Berquist stated, "Following a robust and thoughtful search process, we are pleased to welcome David as Cracker Barrel's next CEO."

Fox Business - Deno expressed, "I look forward to unlocking the full potential of this remarkable brand."

CBS News US - Cracker Barrel's total revenue for the fiscal 2026 third quarter was $797.4 million, exceeding analyst estimates of $776.7 million.

Fast Company - Cracker Barrel's adjusted diluted earnings-per-share (EPS) for the fiscal 2026 third quarter was $0.29.

Fast Company - Cracker Barrel's stock rose over 30% following the strong fiscal 2026 third-quarter earnings report, reaching levels not seen since September 2025.

Fox Business - Masino will remain with the company in an advisory capacity until Oct. 9.

Fox Business - Cracker Barrel's rebranding effort included a $700 million overhaul across the company's 660-plus restaurants.

Fox Business - Cracker Barrel sold the Maple Street brand and 35 of its locations to Biscuit Belly LLC, closing the remaining 16 Maple Street restaurants.

Fox Business - The company completed a sale-leaseback deal involving 26 company-owned locations, generating about $77 million in net proceeds to pay down debt.

IJR - Julie Masino will step down from her position as CEO of Cracker Barrel.

CBS News US - David Deno is the most recent CEO of Bloomin' Brands and will take over as CEO of Cracker Barrel.

WHEN:

IJR - David Deno will officially take over as CEO on Aug. 10.

IJR - Julie Masino's resignation will take effect on Aug. 10.

WHY:

CNN - Masino's departure follows an attempt to rebrand Cracker Barrel that sparked controversy last summer, leading to a significant loss in market value.

CNN - The redesign ran into a political and cultural firestorm on social media, with critics accusing the company of embracing "radical left-wing politics."

CBS News US - Berquist thanked Masino for "her leadership and commitment to Cracker Barrel," indicating a focus on a smooth leadership transition.

HOW:

Fast Company - The rebranding effort included a revamped menu and decluttered dining rooms as part of a $700 million overhaul across the company's 660-plus restaurants.

CNN - Cracker Barrel reverted to its old logo and canceled plans to remodel restaurants after the backlash.

Fast Company - Deno plans to focus on "delivering delicious food and exceptional experiences for our guests, while driving profitable growth."

IJR - Masino will remain with the company after her resignation.

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 22:20 UTC)

David Deno has been named the new CEO of Cracker Barrel, succeeding Julie Masino, and he will officially take over the role on August 10. Deno brings decades of experience in the restaurant and retail industries, and he is expected to build on the Cracker Barrel legacy while driving operational and financial momentum. Masino's departure follows a controversial rebranding effort that resulted in a significant loss in market value, which included a $700 million overhaul of the company's dining experience.

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 20:21 UTC)

Cracker Barrel's stock has seen a remarkable rise of about 89% since the beginning of the year, but the company faced significant backlash over a recent redesign that critics claimed embraced "radical left-wing politics." In response to the controversy, Cracker Barrel decided to revert to its old logo and canceled plans to remodel its restaurants. Meanwhile, Julie Masino, who joined the company in 2023 after her tenure as Taco Bell’s president of international business, expressed her feelings during an interview with Glenn Beck, stating, "I feel like I’ve been fired by America."

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 19:25 UTC)

Carl Berquist, the independent Chairman of the Cracker Barrel Board, announced that David Deno will be the new CEO following a thorough search process. Deno expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating he looks forward to unlocking the full potential of the brand while focusing on delivering delicious food and exceptional experiences for guests. Berquist also took a moment to thank the previous CEO, Masino, for her leadership and commitment to Cracker Barrel, emphasizing the importance of a smooth transition.

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 18:24 UTC)

Cracker Barrel reported a total revenue of $797.4 million for the fiscal 2026 third quarter, surpassing analyst expectations of $776.7 million. The company's adjusted diluted earnings-per-share for the same period was $0.29. Following this positive earnings report, Cracker Barrel's stock surged over 30%, hitting levels not seen since September 2025.

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 17:31 UTC)

Cracker Barrel is undergoing a significant rebranding effort, which includes a $700 million overhaul across its more than 660 restaurants. As part of this transformation, the company has sold the Maple Street brand along with 35 of its locations to Biscuit Belly LLC, while closing the remaining 16 Maple Street restaurants. Additionally, Cracker Barrel completed a sale-leaseback deal involving 26 company-owned locations, generating approximately $77 million in net proceeds to help pay down debt, and Masino will remain with the company in an advisory capacity until October 9.

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 15:59 UTC)

Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino will step down from her position, with her resignation taking effect on August 10. David Deno, who most recently served as CEO of Bloomin' Brands, will take over as the new CEO of Cracker Barrel. After her resignation, Masino will continue to remain with the company in a different capacity.