Cracker Barrel’s New Employee Meal Directive During Travel

Cracker Barrel is now encouraging its employees to dine exclusively at their restaurants while traveling for work, a move attributed to the need for cost reductions following a significant downturn in sales after their controversial brand update. This practice is being referred to as “travel scrimping,” a trend where many companies are trimming the enjoyable aspects of business trips to save money.

Additionally, the company suggested that employees delay any planned business trips until later in the year, anticipating a rebound in sales due to current challenges.

When travel is necessary, staff members are expected to enjoy classic Cracker Barrel dishes like grits, casseroles, and biscuits and gravy at every meal, according to an internal communication.

In a memo, the company noted, “Employees are expected to eat all or a majority of their meals at Cracker Barrel locations during their travels whenever possible based on their location and schedule.” This policy reflects a broader trend, noted by The Wall Street Journal, as part of efforts to scale back business travel’s perks, which had already been diminishing due to office return mandates and layoffs.

Along these lines, Cracker Barrel has also discontinued free drinks for employees on work trips, requiring them to pay for any alcoholic beverages themselves.

Exceptions can be made but must receive prior approval from an executive team member, as outlined in company communications.

Interestingly, some employees seemed unaware of the previous allowance to drink alcohol while traveling, especially since the chain only introduced alcohol to its menu in 2021.

Cracker Barrel did not respond immediately to requests for comments on these changes.

This decision reflects a broader push among companies to reduce employee expenses during travel, as many are now seeking inexpensive accommodations, opting for grocery store meals, and utilizing laundromats during their trips.

During a December conference call with investors, Cracker Barrel executives mentioned their goal to achieve annual savings of $20 million to $25 million by optimizing their corporate support center, which may include layoffs.

The current cost-cutting measures follow a decline in sales linked to a rebranding effort that many labeled as “woke.” This initiative involved removing Uncle Hershel’s character from their logo, aiming to modernize the brand to attract younger customers and drive growth amid reduced foot traffic.

However, this strategy backfired, provoking backlash from loyal customers who felt it alienated the chain from its roots in traditional American culture.

In response to the criticism, Cracker Barrel apologized in August and reinstated the original logo after public figures, including former President Trump, urged them to revert to their previous branding in light of customer feedback.

As a result of these missteps, the company’s stock price saw a significant drop of around 30% towards the end of 2025.