- Cracker Barrel has updated its organizational structure and appointed a minimum of 4 executives to recent or expanded roles, the corporate said in a Thursday press release.
- The chain also cut ties with Prophet, the worldwide strategic and inventive growth consultancy that advised Cracker Barrel on its refresh initiatives, including its recent logo and restaurant redesigns.
- Cracker Barrel faced significant consumer pushback following the removal of Uncle Hershel from its logo over the summer in addition to the look of its farmhouse modern store redesigns. It canceled its remodels last month after testing them in 4 stores. The company expects an 8% drop in traffic during its fiscal Q1 2026 following the emblem backlash.
The chain said it made leadership changes to streamline its leadership team to higher support field operations. Cracker Barrel CEO and President Julie Masino said the brand new structure will reduce layers and permit the chain to be hyper focused on ensuring that “every plate and each interaction with our guests reflects the care and quality we stand for.”
Doug Hisel has been promoted to senior vice chairman of store operations from vice chairman of field operations. Hisel has worked at Cracker Barrel for 18 years and possesses operational experience and a “deep understanding of individuals and Cracker Barrel’s processes and standards,” the corporate said. He began on the chain as an associate manager in Indianapolis in 2007 and worked his way up through various operational roles with increasing responsibility. Hisel will oversee field operations and operations services in his recent role.
As a part of the corporate’s restructuring, Cracker Barrel cut the role of senior vice chairman and chief restaurant and retail operations officer, previously held by Cammie Spillyards-Schaefer.
Thomas Yun returned to the corporate as vice chairman of menu strategy and innovation after a few yr’s absence. Yun previously served on this role from 2022 to 2024 and was answerable for developing several successful menu introductions. Yun has significant experience within the restaurant industry and menu innovation, the corporate said.
Heather Hager, vice chairman of retail and design, and Heather Gammon, vice chairman of demand planning, have taken on expanded roles and responsibilities following the retirement of Laura Daily, senior vice chairman, chief merchant and retail supply chain.
“We have already made some changes to our processes and there may be more to return as we get able to deliver a memorable holiday season for our guests,” Masino said. “We are committed to ongoing improvements as we construct on Cracker Barrel’s legacy and honor the traditions that make this brand so special.”
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