Cracker Barrel has long prided itself on being an “old country store”—a place where nostalgia meets comfort food. But lately, that signature charm seems to be slipping away, and customers aren’t loving the shift.

 

Last year, the chain began remodeling its restaurants, and over 40 of its 600+ locations have already undergone transformations. Gone are the cozy, cluttered walls packed with vintage knickknacks and farmhouse finds. In their place? Stark white walls, sleek furniture, and a modern, minimalist aesthetic that some say feels more showroom than soul.

 

Unsurprisingly, the internet has thoughts. TikTok users and commenters across social media have voiced their disappointment with the new look. “They removed everything that made it special. It’s giving ‘soulless,’” wrote one person. Another chimed in, “Why fix something that wasn’t broken?” while others threatened to stop dining there altogether.

Comments like “Corporate minimalism strikes again” and “The atmosphere was the whole reason to go” reflect a widespread sentiment: the redesign might be erasing what made Cracker Barrel unique in the first place.

Some have compared the new interiors to Bob Evans, lamenting the loss of personality and warmth. For now, many locations still retain the original aesthetic, but with growing public backlash, Cracker Barrel may need to reconsider how far it’s willing to modernize—or risk losing the very guests who cherished its old-school vibe.