Nolte: Cracker Barrel Cofounder Rips CEO Julie Felss Masino’s ‘Pitiful’ Rebranding

Tommy Lowe, the 93-year-old co-founder of Cracker Barrel, has been a staple in the restaurant industry for over five decades. With his sharp business acumen and unwavering dedication, he has helped build the company into the beloved brand it is today. However, in recent years, Lowe has been less than impressed with the direction the company has taken under the leadership of current CEO Julie Felss Masino.

In a recent interview with Breitbart, Lowe expressed his disappointment with Masino’s “disastrous” revamping of the company. He did not hold back in his criticism, calling her efforts “pitiful” and expressing his disdain for the changes she has implemented.

Lowe’s concerns stem from Masino’s decision to rebrand Cracker Barrel as a more upscale and trendy restaurant. This includes changes to the menu, décor, and overall atmosphere of the restaurants. While Masino may have had good intentions, Lowe believes that these changes have strayed too far from the company’s roots and have alienated their loyal customer base.

Cracker Barrel has always been known for its homestyle cooking and cozy, country-themed restaurants. It’s a place where families and friends can gather for a hearty meal and feel right at home. However, with Masino’s rebranding efforts, Lowe feels that the company has lost its identity and has become just another generic chain restaurant.

Lowe’s concerns are not unfounded. Since Masino took over as CEO in 2019, the company’s sales have declined, and their stock price has taken a hit. This is a stark contrast to the success the company experienced under Lowe’s leadership.

But it’s not just about the numbers for Lowe. He is deeply invested in the company and its employees, many of whom have been with Cracker Barrel for decades. He believes that Masino’s changes have not only hurt the company’s bottom line but have also had a negative impact on the employees and their morale.

Lowe’s passion for the company and its employees is evident in his words. He stated, “I feel sorry for the employees who have been with us for 20, 30, 40 years. They’re the ones who built this company, and now they’re being told to change everything they’ve been doing for years.”

It’s clear that Lowe’s loyalty lies with the employees and the customers who have made Cracker Barrel the success it is today. He believes that Masino’s rebranding efforts have disregarded their opinions and preferences, and he is not afraid to speak out against it.

Despite his disappointment, Lowe remains optimistic about the future of Cracker Barrel. He believes that the company can bounce back and regain its former glory if they return to their roots and focus on what made them successful in the first place.

In conclusion, Tommy Lowe’s passion for Cracker Barrel is unwavering, and his concerns about the company’s direction are valid. As a co-founder and a respected figure in the restaurant industry, his opinions should not be taken lightly. It’s time for Masino and the rest of the company’s leadership to listen to Lowe and take his advice to heart. Only then can Cracker Barrel reclaim its rightful place as a beloved and successful brand.