Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. (NASDAQ: CBRL) shares plunged nearly 11% on Thursday, dropping $6.47 to $52.55, after the company unveiled a new logo that has sparked heated backlash online.
The redesign, which replaces the restaurant chain’s long-standing rustic emblem with a modernized version, has ignited criticism from customers and commentators who argue the move undermines the brand’s heritage.
Social media was quick to draw parallels to Bud Light controversy, when Anheuser-Busch faced boycotts and tumbling sales following a marketing decision that alienated part of its core customer base.
One user wrote, “New CEO of Cracker Barrel decides to scrap a nostalgic, beloved logo that reminds people of simpler times and replaces it with a soulless ‘improved’ logo.” Another added, “Ladies and gentlemen, I think we’ve found the next Bud Light…”
Political figures have also weighed in. Trump advisor Alex Bruesewitz criticized the move directly, saying:
“The CEO of Cracker Barrel is as woke as they come. She is destroying a once great American brand.”
The sell-off underscores how sensitive legacy brands have become to cultural and political debates, particularly when long-time customers perceive changes as an erosion of identity. While Cracker Barrel has yet to issue a public statement addressing the backlash, the sharp market reaction suggests investors fear a prolonged hit to consumer loyalty.
Source: https://finbold.com/cracker-barrel-stock-crashes-11-after-woke-bud-light-moment/