Cracker Barrel has confirmed it removed its Pride page from the company’s website and restructured its business resource groups, moves the chain says are part of broader brand changes.
A spokesperson told Fox News the updates involved “adding new content and removing out-of-date content.” The former Pride page, which listed the Nashville Pride Parade the company sponsored, now redirects to a “Culture and Belonging” page.
Website and Group Changes
The updated page states: “At Cracker Barrel, welcoming people has always been at the heart of who we are. When we take care of one another, we are able to take even better care of the people who walk through our doors.”
Cracker Barrel confirmed that several months ago it also restructured its business resource groups (BRGs), including its LGBTQ+ Alliance, to focus exclusively on corporate giving initiatives such as fighting food insecurity, reducing food waste, and supporting community needs. While the BRGs were still listed online Wednesday, they were later removed.
Past LGBT Involvement
The company has faced scrutiny from conservatives, including activists Robby Starbuck and Chris Rufo, for past LGBT support. Cracker Barrel sponsored the 2024 Nashville Pride Parade and introduced rainbow-colored rocking chairs for Pride Month.
The founder of the company’s LGBT group later served on the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Business Advisory Council. HRC is known for its Corporate Equality Index, which critics argue pressures corporations into adopting progressive policies. Cracker Barrel said it has not participated in the index or been affiliated with HRC “in several years.”
History of Controversy
The chain was criticized in the 1990s after adopting a policy that allowed the firing of employees who failed to demonstrate “normal heterosexual values.” Eleven employees were terminated, sparking boycotts and protests nationwide. Cracker Barrel received a zero on HRC’s first Corporate Equality Index in 2002 but later raised its score to 80 in 2021 after taking several pro-LGBT positions.
In 2014, it briefly pulled “Duck Dynasty” products after cast member Phil Robertson made comments labeled as homophobic. In 2019, the chain barred a pastor from hosting an event after he called homosexuals “freaks” and “animals” in a sermon.
Logo Reversal
Cracker Barrel has also faced pushback over its redesign efforts, which included a modernized logo without the company’s signature “Old Timer” character. Following backlash, the chain announced it will return to the original logo.
“We said we would listen, and we have,” the company said in a statement. “Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain. At Cracker Barrel, it’s always been — and always will be — about serving up delicious food, warm welcomes, and the kind of country hospitality that feels like family.”
