After scrapping their logo redesign due to public outcry, Cracker Barrel is now also backtracking on their planned restaurant renovations, too.
The company made the announcement via social media.
“You’ve shared your voices in recent weeks not just on our logo, but also on our restaurants,” a <a href="https://x.com/CrackerBarrel/status/1965424119660323068">statement</a> posted to X said. “We’re continuing to listen. Today, we’re suspending our remodels. If your restaurant hasn’t been remodeled, you don’t need to worry, it won’t be. With our recent announcement that our ‘Old Timer’ logo will remain, along with our bigger focus in the kitchen and on your plate, we hope that today’s step reinforces that we hear you.”
This caving to public outcry came not long after the company decided to scrap their pricey, much maligned logo overhaul and reinstate their “Old Timer” mascot back to his place beside the barrel. This decision was made after company stock prices plummeted and social media buzzed with criticism.
The company’s board, led by CEO Julie Felss Masino, ignored warning signs and criticism for months ahead of the announcement that they were ditching the old logo and giving stores a more modern look. Cracker Barrel previously abandoned the new logo in late August.
“We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel. We said we would listen, and we have. Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain,” the company said in a statement, as The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/cracker-barrel-caves-old-country-store-to-bring-back-old-logo-after-blowback?author=Tim+Pearce&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Cracker+Barrel+Caves%3A+%E2%80%98Old+Country+Store%E2%80%99+To+Bring+Back+Old+Logo+After+Blowback">reported</a>.
“At Cracker Barrel, it’s always been – and always will be – about serving up delicious food, warm welcomes, and the kind of country hospitality that feels like family. As a proud American institution, our 70,000 hardworking employees look forward to welcoming you to our table soon,” the statement concluded.
The logo reversal came just hours after President Trump suggested it. “Cracker Barrel should go back to the old logo, admit a mistake based on customer response (the ultimate Poll), and manage the company better than ever before,” the president shared on Truth Social at the time.
“They got a Billion Dollars worth of free publicity if they play their cards right. Very tricky to do, but a great opportunity. Have a major News Conference today. Make Cracker Barrel a WINNER again. Remember, in just a short period of time I made the United States of America the ‘HOTTEST’ Country anywhere in the World. One year ago, it was ‘DEAD.’ Good luck!” the president said.

Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel Caves Again, Scraps Plans For Restaurant Remodels

Business

Food

restaurants

U.S.

United States

The China-based retailer Shein faced backlash after using images of a man resembling accused murderer Luigi Mangione modeling its clothing.
The images went viral on social media, prompting users to question the company’s advertising decision. Shein blamed the blunder on “a third-party vendor” and quickly removed the ads.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Luigi Mangione Appears to Model Clothes for Shein <a href="https://t.co/BMMTK89Tde">https://t.co/BMMTK89Tde</a> <a href="https://t.co/CvrrhMYU9c">pic.twitter.com/CvrrhMYU9c</a>
— TMZ (@TMZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/TMZ/status/1963046791542178026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
“The image in question was provided by a third-party vendor and was removed immediately upon discovery. We have stringent standards for all listings on our platform. We are conducting a thorough investigation, strengthening our monitoring processes, and will take appropriate action against the vendor in line with our policies,” a Shein rep said in a statement, per <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/luigi-mangione-shein-shirt-listing-viral-2123622">Newsweek</a>.
Shein is a fast fashion retailer known for its massive, constantly updated selection of trendy clothing and accessories at ultra-low prices. It’s extremely popular with younger shoppers, but has faced growing criticism over sustainability, labor practices, and intellectual property issues.
Mangione pleaded “not guilty” to federal murder charges following the December 2024 shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. 
According to authorities, Mangione shot Thompson, a father of two young children, in a “premeditated, cold-blooded assassination” as an act of “political violence.”
Thompson was gunned down in Midtown Manhattan on December 4, leading to a five-day manhunt that ended with Mangione’s arrest in Pennsylvania.
Mangione’s alleged targeting of Thompson appears meticulously planned, as The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/luigi-mangione-pleads-not-guilty-as-doj-seeks-death-penalty?author=Nathan+Gay&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Luigi+Mangione+Pleads+Not+Guilty+As+DOJ+Seeks+Death+Penalty">reported</a>. Three 9mm shell casings bearing the words “delay,” “deny,” and “depose” were recovered from the crime scene, which was believed to be a reference to a 2010 book criticizing health insurance industry tactics.
The Department of Justice is seeking the death penalty.
The case has sparked considerable public attention and led to a surprising show of support for Mangione. Former Washington Post and New York Times tech reporter Taylor Lorenz <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/taylor-lorenz-refuses-to-condemn-luigi-mangione-gosh-youre-gonna-ask-if-i-condemn-hamas-next?author=Virginia+Kruta&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Taylor+Lorenz+Refuses+To+Condemn+Luigi+Mangione%3A+%E2%80%98Gosh%2C+You%E2%80%99re+Gonna+Ask+If+I+Condemn+Hamas+Next%E2%80%99">said</a> during an April interview with CNN that the accused murderer was seen as a “revolutionary, who’s famous, who’s handsome, who’s young, who’s smart. He’s a person who seems like he’s this morally good man, which is hard to find.”

Luigi Mangione

Fast-Fashion Retailer Slammed For Using Luigi Mangione’s Likeness To Sell Clothes

Fast-Fashion Retailer Slammed For Using Luigi Mangione's Likeness To Sell Clothes

China

News

Social Issues

U.S. no-frills pioneer Spirit Airlines filed for fresh chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Friday, as dwindling cash and mounting losses derailed its turnaround efforts since emerging from a previous Chapter 11 reorganization in March.
The carrier, recognizable by its bright yellow jets, has struggled to steady operations since emerging from its first bankruptcy in March.
Flights, ticket sales, reservations and operations will continue, the airline said on Friday.
Spirit had been attempting to rebrand as a more premium airline to keep pace with post-pandemic travel trends that have challenged the viability of the ultra-low-cost model.
But Spirit&#8217;s recovery was further hit by uncertainty from tariffs and budget cuts, which have cooled consumer spending and driven down domestic airfares.
The airline was forced to raise going-concern doubts earlier this month.
&#8220;Since emerging from our previous restructuring, which was targeted exclusively on reducing Spirit&#8217;s funded debt and raising equity capital, it has become clear that there is much more work to be done and many more tools are available to best position Spirit for the future,&#8221; said CEO Dave Davis.
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The Florida-based airline first sought bankruptcy protection last November after years of losses, failed merger bids and mounting debt, becoming the first major U.S. carrier to do so since 2011.
It posted a $1.2 billion net loss last year, with its troubles compounded by the collapse of a $3.8 billion merger with JetBlue Airways and RTX&#8217;s Pratt &amp; Whitney engine issues that forced it to ground many of its Airbus jets.
Spirit began in 1964 as a long-haul trucking company before shifting to aviation in the 1980s, initially flying leisure packages under the name Charter One Airlines.
It rebranded as Spirit in 1992 and built its reputation as a discount carrier for budget-conscious travelers willing to skip extras like checked bags and seat assignments.
But the pandemic upended that model, as demand shifted toward more comfortable, experience-driven travel, leaving ultra-low-cost carriers struggling to adapt.
(Reporting by Shivansh Tiwary in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila and Maju Samuel)

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines Files For Bankruptcy — Again

Air Travel

bankruptcy

Economy

The Cracker Barrel restaurant chain caved to public pressure for the second time in as many days on Wednesday, removing several items from the corporate website that advertised a commitment to supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and LGBTQ Pride events.
Robby Starbuck took to X to share what he touted as a &#8220;major victory,&#8221; noting that the company had scrubbed several key pages from the website even as the backlash over a recently sanitized corporate logo — which was abandoned within days of its unveiling — was just beginning to die down.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Major victory to report. After a week running our pressure campaign, Cracker Barrel FINALLY caved and removed their LGBTQ and DEI page.
Let this be a message to all companies: It is now socially unacceptable to promote trans causes or DEI and it’s unacceptable to use our money… <a href="https://t.co/tDqvanEYZs">pic.twitter.com/tDqvanEYZs</a>
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) <a href="https://twitter.com/robbystarbuck/status/1960767840644162041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&#8220;Major victory to report. After a week running our pressure campaign, Cracker Barrel FINALLY caved and removed their LGBTQ and DEI page,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Let this be a message to all companies: It is now socially unacceptable to promote trans causes or DEI and it’s unacceptable to use our money for Pride events.&#8221;
&#8220;YOU could be next if you embrace wokeness. Now’s the time to fix it,&#8221; he continued. &#8220;Conservative consumers will no longer fund companies who use our money to violate our values. Just be neutral on politics and social issues. You don’t need to parrot our politics. Just stay out of politics and focus on your core business. That’s the path to greatness. First 3 screenshots are yesterday, 4th is today.&#8221;
&#8220;It’s my pleasure to deliver y’all another win for those of us who want sanity. Many more to come!&#8221; Starbuck concluded.
Cracker Barrel&#8217;s capitulation on DEI and LGBTQ issues follows the company&#8217;s quick backpedal over an attempted rebrand that sparked an immediate public outcry.
Starbuck shared the news on Tuesday, saying. &#8220;Big news: Cracker Barrel has caved. They just sent an email confirming that they’re returning to the old logo. All plans for the new logo have been scrapped. Now they just need to end DEI and stop funding all ages pride shows!&#8221;
&#8220;The emailed statement: &#8216;We thank your guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel. We said we would listen, and we have. Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain. At Cracker Barrel, it’s always been – and always will be – about serving up delicious food, warm welcomes, and the kind of country hospitality that feels like family.&#8217; As always, we get results and we have them on the run. They’ve also distanced themselves from the woke @HRC by saying they don’t associate with them now. We are winning and we plan to keep winning.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Big news: Cracker Barrel has caved. They just sent an email confirming that they’re returning to the old logo. All plans for the new logo have been scrapped. Now they just need to end DEI and stop funding all ages pride shows!
The emailed statement:
&#8220;We thank your guests for… <a href="https://t.co/13OJLzfGBX">pic.twitter.com/13OJLzfGBX</a>
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) <a href="https://twitter.com/robbystarbuck/status/1960475170063192477?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Cracker Barrel Redesigns Its Logo

Cracker Barrel Thought The Logo U-Turn Would Be Enough. It Wasn’t.

Cracker Barrel Thought The Logo U-Turn Would Be Enough. It Wasn't

advertising

LGBTQ

Pride

Cracker Barrel will bring back its old logo after days of ruthless criticism and a plummeting stock price following its botched rebranding.
The company’s board, led by CEO Julie Felss Masino, ignored warning signs and criticism for months ahead of the announcement last week that the restaurant chain would ditch its old logo and give its stores a modern look. The company appears to have walked back part of that decision on Tuesday.
“We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel. We said we would listen, and we have. Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain,” the company said in a statement, according to Fox News host Bret Baier.
“At Cracker Barrel, it’s always been – and always will be – about serving up delicious food, warm welcomes, and the kind of country hospitality that feels like family. As a proud American institution, our 70,000 hardworking employees look forward to welcoming you to our table soon,” the statement concluded.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Cracker Barrel is going back to the old logo. Company statement: 
&#8220;We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel. We said we would listen, and we have. Our new logo is going away and our “Old Timer” will remain. At Cracker Barrel, it’s always been – and…
— Bret Baier (@BretBaier) <a href="https://twitter.com/BretBaier/status/1960470715116699729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
Cracker Barrel’s reversal on its rebranding comes after the decision to replace the “old timer” with brown text on a sterile, yellow emblem drew the attention of President Donald Trump. Trump <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/make-cracker-barrel-great-again-trump-dishes-branding-advice-as-customers-revolt">advised</a> the brand on Tuesday morning to reverse course. The company apparently heeded the advice hours later.
“Cracker Barrel should go back to the old logo, admit a mistake based on customer response (the ultimate Poll), and manage the company better than ever before,” said Trump on Truth Social.
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“They got a Billion Dollars worth of free publicity if they play their cards right. Very tricky to do, but a great opportunity. Have a major News Conference today. Make Cracker Barrel a WINNER again. Remember, in just a short period of time I made the United States of America the ‘HOTTEST’ Country anywhere in the World. One year ago, it was ‘DEAD.’ Good luck!” the president said.
Following the announcement that Cracker Barrel was returning to their former logo, Trump responded on Truth Social, congratulating the brand on their decision.
<iframe class="truthsocial-embed" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115097715754727825/embed" width="600" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>
In the months leading up to the rebranding, Sardar Biglari, a top investor in the “Old Country Store,” struck out at the board in letters to shareholders in a failed bid to replace two board members. Biglari’s warning calls were repeatedly ignored, according to <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/money/cracker-barrels-ceo-board-dismissed-warnings-last-year-from-top-investor-who-called-rebranding-strategic-transformation-plan-obvious-folly?%3Fintcmp=tw_fbn&amp;taid=68adb6e557bcfa0001eba590&amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter">Fox Business</a>.
In an October 2024 letter, Biglari called Cracker Barrel’s moves to rebrand “obvious folly” and said the company was “is in perilous times.” A month later, Biglari issued another warning letter: “If you had $100 in Cracker Barrel stock in January 2019, five years later it is worth about $30. Therefore, there is just $30 to go before the entire investment is lost.”
He struck out at the board: “They value collegiality over accountability.”

Cracker Barrel Caves: ‘Old Country Store’ To Bring Back Old Logo After Blowback

Donald Trump

General

President Donald Trump is weighing in on the Cracker Barrel controversy with some pointed advice for the company&#8217;s marketing team.
Cracker Barrel has been in the headlines for days following the unveiling of a new logo that most social media users absolutely despise. This, coupled with remodeled stores and a new modern aesthetic, has loyal Cracker Barrel fans seeing red and threatening to boycott. The president says the solution lies in reverting to the way things were before.
“Cracker Barrel should go back to the old logo, admit a mistake based on customer response (the ultimate Poll), and manage the company better than ever before,” Trump <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115095579197949665">shared</a> on Truth Social on Tuesday morning. 
“They got a Billion Dollars worth of free publicity if they play their cards right. Very tricky to do, but a great opportunity. Have a major News Conference today. Make Cracker Barrel a WINNER again. Remember, in just a short period of time I made the United States of America the ‘HOTTEST’ Country anywhere in the World. One year ago, it was ‘DEAD.’ Good luck!”
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So far, there doesn’t appear to be any movement to backtrack. Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino said during an appearance on “Good Morning America” last week that feedback has been “overwhelmingly positive.” Several days later, a company spokesperson addressed the ongoing backlash by claiming it was part of a “vocal minority.”
But the numbers told a different story. The company reportedly dropped $143 million in market value, as tracked by Dow Jones Market Data Group, per <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/cracker-barrels-loses-143-million-market-value-after-woke-brand-fiasco">Fox Business</a>.
This led to the company releasing a statement that wasn’t quite an apology, but was closer to admitting it had made a mistake. 
“If the last few days have shown us anything, it’s how deeply people care about Cracker Barrel,” the statement began.
“We’re truly grateful for your heartfelt voices. You’ve also shown us that we could’ve done a better job sharing who we are and who we’ll always be,” it continued.
The company promised that Cracker Barrel’s core values have not changed and highlighted some of the traditional elements that it would keep, including “rocking chairs on the porch, a warm fire in the hearth, peg games on the table, unique treasures in our gift shop, and vintage Americana with antiques pulled straight from our warehouse in Lebanon, Tennessee.”
It also discussed how the elderly man sitting next to a barrel on their original logo wouldn’t be disappearing completely either.
“Uncle Herschel will still be on our menu (welcome back Uncle Herschel’s Favorite Breakfast Platter), on our road signs, and featured in our country store. He’s not going anywhere — he’s family.”
The statement continued: “We know we won’t always get everything right the first time, but we’ll keep testing, learning, and listening to our guests and employees. At the end of the day, our promise is simple: you’ll always find comfort, community, and country hospitality here at Cracker Barrel.”

Trump and Cracker Barrel

Make Cracker Barrel Great Again: Trump Dishes Branding Advice As Customers Revolt

Make Cracker Barrel Great Again: Trump Dishes Up Branding Advice As Customers Revolt

Wokeness

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration is weighing possible stakes in defense companies and others it does business with, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Tuesday in defending President Donald Trump&#8217;s push for a greater federal government role in American businesses.
&#8220;They&#8217;re thinking about it,&#8221; Lutnick told CNBC, citing Pentagon leaders, when asked if the administration was considering taking pieces of contractors such as Lockheed Martin Corp, Boeing Co or Palantir Technologies Inc . &#8220;There&#8217;s a lot of talking that needs to be had about how do we finance our munitions acquisitions.&#8221;
&#8220;There&#8217;s a monstrous discussion about defense. Lockheed Martin makes 97% of their revenue from the U.S. government. They are basically an arm of the U.S. government,&#8221; he added.
Boeing declined to comment, and representatives from Lockheed and Palantir did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Following Lutnick&#8217;s comments, shares of Lockheed were up 1.1%, while Boeing was up about 0.7% and Palantir was down about 1%.
On Monday, Trump said he wants to make more U.S. government investments in healthy American companies even as critics warn that such a role for the government could limit corporate strategy and market agility and questions are raised about the impact on consumers.
The Trump administration last week announced a near-10% stake in chipmaker Intel. It previously intervened to complete the purchase of U.S. Steel by Japan&#8217;s Nippon Steel in June, taking what Trump called a &#8220;golden share&#8221; that gives Washington say over its operations.
It also took a stake in rare earths company MP Materials, and brokered a deal with chipmakers Nvidia and AMD to take 15% of revenue from sales to China of chips that had previously been prohibited.
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The unusual level of federal government intervention in the economy has created unexpected alliances, with liberal U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders backing the stake in Intel.
Lutnick on Tuesday said companies that need federal assistance should be prepared to deal with Trump.
&#8220;If a company comes to the United States of America government and says: we need your help, we want to change everything&#8230; I think that&#8217;s a question between the CEO and the president of the United States of whether he will listen to them and change the rules,&#8221; he told CNBC, citing the Nvidia deal.
&#8220;If we are adding fundamental value to your business, I think it&#8217;s fair for Donald Trump to think about the American people,&#8221; Lutnick added.
(Reporting by Susan Heavey; additional reporting by Mike Stone in Washington and Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Bernadette Baum, Andrea Ricci and Nick Zieminski)

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick at The Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C., U.S.

Trump Admin May Buy The Government A Stake In Top Defense Companies

Trump Administration Weighs Strategic Stakes In Defense Companies

Defense

Howard Lutnick

Military

Trump Administration

Just days after doubling down on their disastrous rebranding efforts, Cracker Barrel has released a public statement addressing the backlash.
The company came just shy of apologizing, using the opportunity to instead promise fans that their values and mission haven’t changed like their logo.
“If the last few days have shown us anything, it’s how deeply people care about Cracker Barrel,” the “promise to our guests” began.
“We’re truly grateful for your heartfelt voices. You’ve also shown us that we could’ve done a better job sharing who we are and who we’ll always be,” it continued.
“What has not changed, and what will never change, are the values this company was built on when Cracker Barrel first opened in 1969: hard work, family, and scratch-cooked food made with care. A place where everyone feels at home, no matter where you’re from or where you’re headed. That’s the Cracker Barrel you’ll always find.”
Next, the company highlighted some of the elements they’d be keeping, including, “rocking chairs on the porch, a warm fire in the hearth, peg games on the table, unique treasures in our gift shop, and vintage Americana with antiques pulled straight from our warehouse in Lebanon, Tennessee.”
<a href="https://get.dailywire.com/subscribe/plus/?utm_campaign=summer&amp;utm_content=editorialsummersale&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_source=editorial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">End of Summer Sale – Get 40% off New DailyWire+ Annual Memberships</a>
They also discussed how the man with the barrel from their logo wouldn’t be disappearing completely either.
“Uncle Herschel will still be on our menu (welcome back Uncle Herschel’s Favorite Breakfast Platter), on our road signs, and featured in our country store. He’s not going anywhere — he’s family.”
The statement said, “We know we won’t always get everything right the first time, but we’ll keep testing, learning, and listening to our guests and employees. At the end of the day, our promise is simple: you’ll always find comfort, community, and country hospitality here at Cracker Barrel.”
Previously, Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino said during an appearance on “Good Morning America” that feedback has been “overwhelmingly positive.” Several days later, a company spokesperson addressed mounting backlash by saying it was part of a “vocal minority.”
Despite the company rep claiming detractors were in the “minority,” Cracker Barrel lost roughly $100 million in market value on Thursday following the announcement of the new logo. Social media is still flooded with negative comments and pleas for the restaurant to revert to how it was before.

Cracker Barrel Admits They ‘Could’ve Done A Better Job’ Following Rebranding Backlash

Cracker Barrel Admits They 'Could've Done A Better Job' Following Rebranding Backlash

As the Cracker Barrel rebrand continues to dominate public discourse, the company is downplaying the plethora of negative comments as a “vocal minority.”
The Southern-themed restaurants are undergoing remodels, and most recently, introduced an updated version of its classic logo that’s been poorly received on social media. Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino said during an appearance on “Good Morning America” that feedback has been “overwhelmingly positive,” but that doesn’t match up with most of the comments and videos circulating online. 
A Cracker Barrel spokesperson <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/cracker-barrel-dismisses-critics-vocal-minority-while-rival-restaurant-backlash">told</a> Fox News Digital in a statement that the response to the remodeled locations and other changes “were informed by direct input from our guests and team members alike.”
The rep continued, acknowledging that “there may be a vocal minority who feel differently.”
“However, the strong performance of these locations affirms that we are moving in the right direction,” the statement added. “We hope people who haven’t yet visited a remodeled store will visit us and experience the country hospitality proudly on display at every table and in every dish.”
“Our values haven’t changed, and the heart and soul of Cracker Barrel haven’t changed,” the company said. “And Uncle Herschel remains front and center in our restaurants and on our menu. He is the face of ‘The Herschel Way,’ the foundation of how our 70,000-plus employees provide the country hospitality for which we are known.”
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“Cracker Barrel has been a destination for comfort and community for more than half a century, and this fifth evolution of the brand’s logo, which works across digital platforms as well as billboards and roadside signs, is a call-back to the original and rooted even more in the iconic barrel shape and word mark that started it all back in 1969.”
The new logo removes the old man perched next to a barrel in favor of modern, minimalist text with no graphics. Critics say the new logo is devoid of personality, just like the remodeled stores have a generic aesthetic that’s leagues apart from the warm, welcoming, eclectic look of before.
They also voiced complaints about the updated menu, which is all part of the rebranding efforts.
Despite the company rep claiming detractors were in the “minority,” Cracker Barrel lost <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cracker-barrel-cbrl-stock-down-200-million-loss-new-logo-change/">roughly $100 million</a> in market value on Thursday following the announcement of the new logo. Social media is still flooded with negative comments and pleas for the restaurant to revert to its previous look.

Cracker Barrel Downplays Backlash As The ‘Vocal Minority,’ Stands By Rebrand

Cracker Barrel Downplays Backlash As The 'Vocal Minority,' Stands By Rebrand

(Reuters) -Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI sued Apple and ChatGPT maker OpenAI in U.S. federal court in Texas on Monday, accusing them of illegally conspiring to thwart competition for artificial intelligence.
Apple and OpenAI have &#8220;locked up markets to maintain their monopolies and prevent innovators like X and xAI from competing,&#8221; the lawsuit said.
Apple’s partnership with OpenAI has integrated its AI platform ChatGPT into iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
&#8220;If not for its exclusive deal with OpenAI, Apple would have no reason to refrain from more prominently featuring the X app and the Grok app in its App Store,&#8221; the lawsuit said.
In the lawsuit, xAI said it is seeking billions of dollars in alleged damages.
“This latest filing is consistent with Mr. Musk’s ongoing pattern of harassment,&#8221; an OpenAI spokesperson said in a statement.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Musk had threatened to sue Cupertino, California-based Apple earlier this month, saying in a post on his social media platform X that Apple&#8217;s behavior &#8220;makes it impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to reach #1 in the App Store.”
OpenAI&#8217;s ChatGPT became the fastest-growing consumer application in history in the months following its launch in late 2022.
Musk&#8217;s xAI acquired X in March for $33 billion to enhance its chatbot training capabilities. Musk has also integrated the Grok chatbot into vehicles made by his electric automobile company Tesla.
Musk&#8217;s xAI was launched less than two years ago and competes with Microsoft-backed OpenAI as well as with Chinese startup DeepSeek.
Musk is separately suing OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman in federal court in California to stop its conversion from a nonprofit to a for-profit business. Musk cofounded OpenAI with Altman in 2015 as a nonprofit.
Apple’s App Store practices have been the focus of multiple lawsuits. In one ongoing case by “Fortnite” video game maker Epic Games, a judge ordered Apple to allow greater competition for app payment options.
(Reporting by Mike Scarcella; Editing by David Bario, David Gregorio, Rod Nickel)

FILE PHOTO: Tesla hands over first cars produced at new plant in Gruenheide

Elon Musk Hits Apple, OpenAI With Lawsuit On AI Competition, App Store Rankings

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President Donald Trump announced a major deal on Friday that he said would give the United States full control of 10% of the computer company Intel.
Trump announced the deal first in a post on his Truth Social platform, where he touted the arrangement as &#8220;a great Deal for America and, also, a great Deal for INTEL.&#8221; The president said that he himself had negotiated the deal with Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan.
&#8220;It is my Great Honor to report that the United States of America now fully owns and controls 10% of INTEL, a Great American Company that has an even more incredible future,&#8221; Trump posted. &#8220;I negotiated this Deal with Lip-Bu Tan, the Highly Respected Chief Executive Officer of the Company.&#8221;
&#8220;The United States paid nothing for these Shares, and the Shares are now valued at approximately $11 Billion Dollars,&#8221; he added. &#8220;This is a great Deal for America and, also, a great Deal for INTEL. Building leading edge Semiconductors and Chips, which is what INTEL does, is fundamental to the future of our Nation. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Thank you for your attention to this matter.&#8221;
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<a href="https://t.co/suLz96EODS">pic.twitter.com/suLz96EODS</a>
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1958999176324555140?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also touted the deal in a similar post on Friday afternoon, saying, &#8220;BIG NEWS: The United States of America now owns 10% of Intel, one of our great American technology companies. This historic agreement strengthens U.S. leadership in semiconductors, which will both grow our economy and help secure America’s technological edge. Thanks to Intel CEO @LipBuTan1 for striking a deal that’s fair to Intel and fair to the American People.&#8221;
The Intel CEO&#8217;s tone was equally optimistic as he, too, posted news of the arrangement along with the same photo Lutnick had shared.
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&#8220;Just met with President Trump to announce a historic agreement: the U.S. government is investing $8.9B in @Intel to boost American semiconductor leadership,&#8221; he posted. &#8220;I’m excited about the work ahead to ensure the most advanced silicon technology and computing products of the future are designed and built right here in the USA. Thank you @potus and @howardlutnick for the confidence you have in Intel to deliver for our country.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Just met with President Trump to announce a historic agreement: the U.S. government is investing $8.9B in <a href="https://twitter.com/intel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Intel</a> to boost American semiconductor leadership.
I’m excited about the work ahead to ensure the most advanced silicon technology and computing products of the future are… <a href="https://t.co/8PUcJyiNJu">pic.twitter.com/8PUcJyiNJu</a>
— Lip-Bu Tan (@LipBuTan1) <a href="https://twitter.com/LipBuTan1/status/1958998149231780303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
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A report from The Associated Press gave some <a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-intel-us-equity-stake-b538526b6698f7ebd31e99effd727693">details</a> on the arrangement, which saw the United States &#8220;getting the stake through the conversion of $11.1 billion in previously issued funds and pledges. All told, the government is getting 433.3 million shares of non-voting stock priced at $20.47 apiece — a discount from Friday’s closing price at $24.80. That spread means the U.S. government already has a gain of $1.9 billion, on paper.&#8221;

Donald Trump Addresses Annual Israeli American Council Summit In Washington

Trump Announces Major Deal With Computer Giant: ‘A Great Deal For America’

Trump Announces Major Deal With Computer Giant: 'A Great Deal For America'

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Cracker Barrel’s market value plummeted after the “Old Country Store” sterilized its logo, scrapping its nostalgic man and barrel for a yellow, vaguely barrel-shaped backdrop.
The marketing maneuver was unpopular online as users tore into Cracker Barrel corporate for the new logo. The fast food burger chain Steak &#8216;n Shake piled on to Cracker Barrel, as well.
“Sometimes, people want to change things just to put their own personality on things. At CB, their goal is to just delete the personality altogether. Hence, the elimination of the &#8216;old-timer&#8217; from the signage. Heritage is what got Cracker Barrel this far, and now the CEO wants to just scrape it all away,” Steak ‘N Shake’s X account posted.
“At Steak n Shake, we take pride in our history, our families, and American values. All are welcome. We will never market ourselves away from our past in a cheap effort to gain the approval of trend seekers,” it added.
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Sometimes, people want to change things just to put their own personality on things. At CB, their goal is to just delete the personality altogether. Hence, the elimination of the &#8220;old-timer&#8221; from the signage. Heritage is what got Cracker Barrel this far, and now the CEO wants to… <a href="https://t.co/Aoml8ZOfuT">pic.twitter.com/Aoml8ZOfuT</a>
— Steak &#8216;n Shake (@SteaknShake) <a href="https://twitter.com/SteaknShake/status/1958584823217578214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
Cracker Barrel lost roughly $200 million in market value on Thursday following the announcement of the new logo, according to <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cracker-barrel-cbrl-stock-down-200-million-loss-new-logo-change/">CBS News</a>. The stock hit came a day after CEO Julie Felss Masino appeared on &#8220;Good Morning America&#8221; to defend changes she has spearheaded at the southern comfort store and restaurant.
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“Honestly, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive that people like what we’re doing,” Masino told host Michael Strahan. “I actually happened to be in Orlando last week with all of our managers – we bring them together once every other year – and the number one question that I got asked, Michael, was, ‘How can I get a remodel? When can I get a remodel? When can I get on the list?’”
“The feedback and the buzz is so good, not only from our customers, but from our team members,” she continued.
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NEW: Cracker Barrel reveals new logo, CEO Julie Felss Masino says people love their new rebrand.
&#8220;Honestly, the feedback&#8217;s been overwhelmingly positive that people like what we&#8217;re doing,&#8221; Masino told GMA while discussing the overall rebrand.
This logo is depressing. <a href="https://t.co/EZVpWLv4Bg">pic.twitter.com/EZVpWLv4Bg</a>
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) <a href="https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/1958248356091949349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
Amid the fallout, the company said that the old man, known as “Uncle Herschel,” would remain “front and center in our restaurants and on our menu,” according to CBS News.
“Our values haven&#8217;t changed, and the heart and soul of Cracker Barrel haven&#8217;t changed,” Cracker Barrel added.

Steak ‘N Shake Sizzles Cracker Barrel As ‘Old Country Store’ Loses $200M With New Logo

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