The moment most people said in the midst of last year’s Cracker Barrel fiasco would come, finally has. The family restaurant chain is replacing CEO Julie Felss Masino (inset) following her ill-fated efforts to rebrand the chain with a more modern look. Masino, who is due to step down on August 10, will be succeeded by David Deno, the former CEO of Bloomin’ Brands, which owns Outback Steakhouse. Masino was tasked with attracting new customers and revitalizing a chain that now operates about 660 restaurants in 43 states. Part of the revitalization included brighter walls and more contemporary seating in place of the chain’s familiar rustic interiors. To add insult to injury, Masino also changed the Cracker Barrel logo, which prompted a major backlash among regular customers. The company listened to its loyal customers and reversed the logo change, vowing that “Our Old Timer will remain.” In addition, they suspended restaurant remodeling, leaving locations that had not already been renovated with their familiar interiors. Revenue dropped 2.9% during the renovation period but has since rebounded.
