According to recent reports, the popular chain restaurant Cracker Barrel faces financial consequences after joining a long list of companies and pushing a woke agenda. The restaurant is known for appealing to conservatives in rural communities who often disagree with liberal politics.
Over the past couple of years, Cracker Barrel has sparked controversy for propagating an LGBTQ agenda. Recently, the company’s stock tanked after it cut its dividend and initiated a change in its strategic direction. Many have called on the restaurant chain to set aside political virtue signaling and focus on its operations.
Co-founder and Editor of @TAmTrib Will Tanner recently commented on the financial turbulence Cracker Barrel is experiencing. “Cracker Barrel and its California CEO went woke, pushing “Pride” stuff on the country, conservative demographic and now its stock is nosediving “Go Woke, Go Broke” isn’t always true, but here it appears to be,” Tanner wrote on X.
Investopedia also commented on the news that Cracker Barrel stock declined, writing, “Shares of Cracker Barrel plunged Friday after the restaurant and novelty store chain slashed its dividend as it embarks on what it called a “strategic transformation plan,” and lowered its guidance.”
Last year, The American Tribune reported on backlash against Cracker Barrel after the restaurant made statements on social media supporting the LGBTQ agenda. It was pointed out that this contradicts the restaurant’s common aesthetic, which often appeals to Christians, conservatives, etc. At the time, some suggested that Cracker Barrel could have positioned itself to become the “new Bud Light.”
Cracker Barrel posted a picture on Instagram and Facebook that celebrated “Pride” month, showcasing rainbow rocking chairs and a caption that read, “We are excited to celebrate Pride Month with our employees and guests. Everyone is always welcome at our table (and our rocker). Happy Pride!”
Unsurprisingly, the posts generated substantial criticism online. One person wrote, “Cracker Barrel just made my boycott list!” and “Another one bites the dust …” However, others downplayed the message, stating, “Pick your battles, folks. Just because they have that non-rainbow doesn’t mean they’re marketing to kids.”
Others expressed similar sentiments that they would no longer be dining at the establishment. “Not necessary. No longer a family restaurant. Lost my business.” Another comment read, “Thank you for making it so easy to shop somewhere else. So tired of the agendas. Is there a normal marriage chair.. lol. Not sure why a restaurant needs to celebrate someone’s dating/love life ect to have an agenda to push. No thanks. Can we not just eat food?”
Furthermore, the Texas Family Project wrote at the time, “We take no pleasure in reporting that @CrackerBarrel has fallen. A once family friendly establishment has caved to the mob.” The post on X featured screenshots of Cracker Barrel programming relating to pride and DEI initiatives.
One of the screenshots shows a message from the chain that reads, “This year Cracker Barrel’s focus was to be a part of the Pride experience. We had two locations in the park, both equipped with seating areas and coverage for people to sit down and cool off, while allowing for natural conversation. In the Cracker Barrel spirit of hospitality and belonging, we call it “bringing the front porch to Pride.”