Cracker Barrel releases updated strict dining rules for employees. What we know
FILE-An outside view of a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in Mount Arlington, New Jersey on August 22, 2025. (Photo by GREGORY WALTON/AFP via Getty Images)
Cracker Barrel is imposing some updated dining guidelines for their employees as the company seeks to manage slumping sales reported late last year.
The Wall Street Journal obtained a leaked memo outlining the latest guidance for the workers at the southern-themed restaurant.
RELATED: Cracker Barrel suspends store remodels following backlash
What is Cracker Barrel’s new employee dining rule?
Dig deeper:
Per a policy released in June 2024, Cracker Barrel says it expects employees to eat at the company’s own restaurant locations for most of their meals when traveling.
However, a new stipulation added to the policy states that alcohol is no longer reimbursed unless an exception is approved in advance by a member of senior leadership. It’s unclear how Cracker Barrel plans to enforce the employee dining policy or if it may be subject to change at some point.
Cracker Barrel’s latest guidance comes after the organization faced criticism over a new logo and design in 2025.
RELATED: Cracker Barrel unveils new logo, fall menu amid brand makeover
In September 2025, the company reversed course and decided not to move forward with the rebranding of hundreds of its restaurants after public backlash.
Cracker Barrel statement on employee policy
What they're saying:
FOX Television Stations received an email statement from Cracker Barrel on Tuesday about the policy which states the following:
"The policy for employees to dine at Cracker Barrel while traveling for business, whenever practical based on location and schedule, is not new. 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."
The Source: Information for this story was provided from a Cracker Barrel statement, The Wall Street Journal and Newsweek. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.