CRACKER Barrel customers are furious about reforms sweeping the country.
The chain seeks to modernize its image after decades of operation.
two
The company was founded in 1969 as a Western themed restaurant.
It has since grown to a national chain with hundreds of locations.
But with declining customer numbers and changing demographics, the company’s new CEO, Julie Masino, decided the store needed a boost.
“We’re just not as relevant as we once were,” she said this spring.
Read more about Cracker Barrel
The company has embarked on a $700 million redesign of its stores to help bring them into the 21st century.
It redesigned its stores with a slightly less cluttered look and a new menu.
CRACKED UNTIL
Customers shared their sadness over the change in response to a report from Nashville’s ABC affiliate, WKRN.
In response to a YouTube video of the report, hundreds of customers weighed in on the sleeker, more modern design.
“Gotta love people who need to fix what isn’t broken,” one said.
One customer said what he liked about Cracker Barrel was the decor.
“Cracker Barrel had a distinct look that other restaurants didn’t have, which made it a fun place to go,” they wrote. “If they change things to a more modernized look, then what’s the point of going?”
“They better change it back!!” another customer added.
“Cracker Barrel is destroying itself,” said one.
One restaurant said they would not return if the local restaurant changed.
“I liked it exactly the way it was and we went there a lot,” they said. “If they change the menu and decor, I’m finished. Some things are better left alone.”
The change isn’t coming to all locations – yet.
The company expects to remodel around 30 locations in the next fiscal year, CBS reported.
We’re just not as relevant as we once were.”
Julie Masino
CUSTOMER CONFLICTS
Cracker Barrel isn’t the only company changing its image.
Its competitor, Perkins, has unveiled a new store design and a new name.
Some shoppers complained about the store’s “vibe.”
Walmart recently began remodeling hundreds of stores.
Some customers found the new layout “uninteresting” after some confusion over where the products were placed.
Shoppers aren’t thrilled with Walmart’s new carts.
Even Burger King is renovating its windows.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
