Cracker Barrel CEO steps down a year after logo debacle
Restaurant chain Cracker Barrel announced Monday that its current chief executive officer, Julie Masino, will step down as CEO and board member, effective Aug. 10.
Cracker Barrel shared the news in a press release announcing David Deno as the company's new CEO and board member, effective the same date.
According to the release, Masino will remain with the company until Oct. 9 "in an advisory capacity."
Deno previously served as the CEO of Bloomin' Brands, the company behind Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and more.
"Cracker Barrel is a truly iconic American brand, defined by its unique combination of warm country hospitality, timeless appeal, and deep connection with guests across generations," Deno said in part in a statement included in the release. "I am honored to lead the Cracker Barrel team and look forward to unlocking the full potential of this remarkable brand."
Carl Berquist, independent chairman of the Cracker Barrel board, thanked Masino "for her leadership and commitment to Cracker Barrel" in a separate statement included in Monday's press release.
"We also appreciate her partnership to ensure a smooth leadership transition as we remain focused on the work underway to continue to serve our guests, support our employees, and execute our strategic priorities," Berquist added. "We wish Julie all the best in her future endeavors."
The change in leadership comes after Masino oversaw a period of controversy last year surrounding a Cracker Barrel logo and restaurant re-design.
The controversy first began ramping up last August, after Cracker Barrel debuted several newly remodeled restaurant locations, as well as a new logo that eliminated the classic illustration of a man known as Uncle Herschel.
Backlash to the rebrand was swift, with some social media users questioning whether it indicated a departure from the company's roots and others critiquing the more modern design choices.
President Donald Trump also weighed in on the controversy at the time, saying in a social media post that the company "should go back to the old logo."
Masino initially defended the redesign efforts in an interview with "Good Morning America," stating at the time that public feedback to the company's remodeled locations had been "overwhelmingly positive."
The company reversed course just a few weeks later, saying in a statement, "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 also announced it would suspend its remodels last year.
"You've shared your voices in recent weeks not just on our logo, but also on our restaurants. We're continuing to listen," the company said in a statement on its website at the time. "Today, we're suspending our remodels. If your restaurant hasn't been remodeled, you don't need to worry, it won't be."
ABC News has reached out to Cracker Barrel for additional comment.
