Cracker Barrel clarifies worker eating coverage for journey after viral studies

Cracker Barrel responded to studies that it requires staff to eat solely at its eating places whereas touring for work, noting that the steerage just isn’t new.

The Southern-themed restaurant chain advised FOX Business that its eating coverage was first launched in June 2024 and emphasised that staff touring for enterprise are inspired — however not required — to eat at Cracker Barrel places.

“The policy for employees to dine at Cracker Barrel while traveling for business, whenever practical based on location and schedule, is not new,” the corporate advised FOX Business. 

“Also, it is not the only place that our employees may eat when on the road, as previously reported. The change was to further limit reimbursement of alcoholic beverages under the policy.”

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A Cracker Barrel signal outdoors a location in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 23, 2019. (Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg by way of Getty Images)

The clarification follows a current report highlighting Cracker Barrel’s inner worker insurance policies. 

According to an inner message reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, staff are inspired to delay work-related journey when attainable and, when journey is unavoidable, are anticipated to dine at Cracker Barrel places when sensible.

“Employees are expected to dine at a Cracker Barrel store for all or the majority of meals while traveling, whenever practical based on location and schedule,” the corporate wrote.

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A Cracker Barrel Country Store in Fishkill, N.Y., Aug. 25, 2025. (Richard Beetham for Fox News Digital)

Cracker Barrel can be reportedly tightening its journey expense coverage regarding alcohol, requiring staff pay out of pocket for alcoholic drinks. Any exceptions should obtain prior approval, The Wall Street Journal reported.

“Exceptions for special occasions must be pre-approved by an E-Team member,” Cracker Barrel mentioned.

Cracker Barrel has struggled in current months, together with going through buyer outrage final summer season over a emblem redesign that eliminated its iconic “Old Timer” character, a choice the corporate later reversed.

During its fiscal first-quarter 2026 earnings name in December, CEO Julie Masino mentioned the corporate’s turnaround is taking longer than anticipated.

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Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino walks out of an workplace constructing in Brentwood, Tenn., Aug. 28, 2025.  (Zak Bennett for Fox News Digital)

Sales fell 5.7% in contrast with the identical interval final 12 months.

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“As you are all aware, the past few months have been difficult for Cracker Barrel and for our 70,000 team members around the country,” Masino mentioned. “And while many of our guests are enjoying our improved food and guest experience, we certainly have more work to do to regain the trust and confidence of others who have been slower to return.”

Cracker Barrel shares are up greater than 30% 12 months up to now.

FOX Business’ Greg Wehner and Eric Revell contributed to this report.