N※N

Cracker Barrel Faces Backlash Over Mandatory Employee Diet

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/03 .. faces-backlash-over-mandatory-employee-diet.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 13:10 GMT by WGN Radio
      Locales: Tennessee, UNITED STATES

Lebanon, TN - February 3rd, 2026 - Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is facing a growing wave of online criticism after implementing a controversial new policy requiring employees to consume only Cracker Barrel food while traveling on company business. The directive, outlined in an internal memo leaked late last week, aims to bolster brand promotion and build a "shared employee experience," but has sparked concerns regarding employee welfare, dietary needs, and the overall practicality of the mandate.

Details of the policy, first reported by industry blog Restaurant Insider, stipulate that all employees traveling for work-related events - conferences, training sessions, site visits, and even regional meetings - are obligated to purchase their meals exclusively from Cracker Barrel restaurants. Reimbursement for meals will only be granted with receipts verifying purchases from a Cracker Barrel location. The memo, a screenshot of which quickly went viral on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, reportedly frames the initiative as a method of reinforcing brand loyalty amongst staff and providing a consistent "Cracker Barrel experience" across the board.

While the company has remained largely silent on the matter, initially declining to comment on the memo's authenticity, sources within Cracker Barrel confirmed the policy's validity to this reporter. A spokesperson, speaking on background, indicated the policy was a trial initiative rolled out to a small segment of the corporate team initially, with the intention of expanding it company-wide if deemed successful. The spokesperson described the plan as "a team building exercise" and a way to ensure employees "fully embody the Cracker Barrel brand" and can speak authentically about the menu.

The response online, however, has been overwhelmingly negative. The hashtag #CrackerBarrelDiet quickly began trending, filled with humorous memes and serious concerns. Critics are questioning the logistical challenges - what about work trips to locations without a Cracker Barrel? - but more importantly, the ethical implications. Many point to the potential health concerns of forcing employees to adhere to a limited diet, potentially ignoring individual dietary restrictions, allergies, or health conditions.

"This isn't about brand loyalty, it's about control," commented one X user, a former restaurant employee. "What if someone is vegan? Has a severe gluten allergy? Or just needs a salad after days of biscuits and gravy? This policy is incredibly insensitive and potentially harmful."

The policy also raises questions about the long-term impact on employee morale. While Cracker Barrel aims to foster a "shared experience," forcing a specific dietary regimen on employees could breed resentment and decrease job satisfaction. Experts in workplace culture suggest that such mandates, while appearing to build unity, can often have the opposite effect. Dr. Eleanor Vance, a leading organizational psychologist, notes, "Authentic team building is about respecting individual needs and preferences. Imposing a rigid rule like this suggests a lack of trust and a dismissive attitude towards employee well-being."

The broader context of the hospitality industry is also relevant. In recent years, there's been a growing trend towards offering employees more flexible benefits and recognizing their individual needs, particularly around health and wellness. Cracker Barrel's policy seems to run counter to this trend. Competitors like IHOP and Denny's, while also emphasizing brand engagement, currently offer employees per diem allowances for meals during travel, allowing them to choose options that suit their needs.

Furthermore, this policy comes at a time when Cracker Barrel is facing increased competition in the family dining sector. Analysts at Food Service Trends point to a shift in consumer preferences towards healthier and more diverse dining options, and suggest that Cracker Barrel needs to adapt to remain relevant. Forcing that same limited menu on its employees could be seen as out of touch with modern dietary trends.

As of today, Cracker Barrel has announced it will be holding an internal forum to address employee concerns. While no changes to the policy have been indicated, the company's response to this escalating controversy will be critical in shaping its public image and maintaining employee goodwill. The situation is evolving rapidly and will likely continue to dominate social media conversations in the coming days.