MOREHEAD, Ky. — Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has announced a change in its top leadership, with Chief Executive Officer Julie Masino set to leave the company after nearly three years in the role.
According to the company, former Bloomin' Brands CEO David Deno will become Cracker Barrel's new chief executive on Aug. 10. Masino will remain in an advisory capacity through early October to assist with the leadership transition.
For customers in Morehead, the announcement does not indicate any immediate changes to operations at the local Cracker Barrel restaurant. The company has not announced changes to hours, staffing, or customer service at individual locations, including its Morehead restaurant.
During Masino's tenure, Cracker Barrel launched a broader effort to modernize the nearly six-decade-old brand. Those efforts included testing updates to restaurant décor, menu offerings, and the company's longtime logo. Some of the proposed changes generated significant public discussion, particularly on social media, where many longtime customers expressed a preference for preserving the chain's traditional country image.
The company later restored its classic logo and shifted its focus toward improving financial performance while maintaining the brand's familiar identity.
In recent months, Cracker Barrel has also announced several business initiatives aimed at strengthening the company, including reducing debt, selling certain company-owned restaurant properties while leasing them back, and divesting its Maple Street Biscuit Company business. Company officials have said those moves are intended to sharpen the company's focus on its core restaurant operations.
The leadership transition comes as Cracker Barrel reports signs of improving business performance after a challenging period that included declining sales and increased pressure from investors. The company recently said it expects to meet or exceed its financial outlook for the year.
Cracker Barrel operates hundreds of locations across the United States, including its restaurant in Morehead, which continues to serve travelers along Interstate 64 as well as local residents.
At this time, no location-specific changes have been announced for the Morehead restaurant as a result of the executive leadership change.