Activist says Cracker Barrel embraced wokeness over American tradition
Conservative Activist Robby Starbuck Criticizes Cracker Barrel Logo Makeover
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In a recent video, conservative activist Robby Starbuck shared his thoughts on the controversial logo redesign of Cracker Barrel. Starbuck described the new logo as a departure from the “old American nostalgia” that the company was known for, labeling it as “cold, dead, lifeless, and modern.” He went on to criticize the company for embracing what he called “wokeness” and catering to left-wing activists over their loyal customer base.
Starbuck highlighted Cracker Barrel’s support for LGBTQ+ organizations and events, such as Nashville Pride, River City Pride, and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). He pointed out the company’s display of rainbow-colored rocking chairs with LGBTQ+ insignia, even placing one in their Tennessee corporate office, which he believes is a reflection of a larger shift towards “wokeness.”
Activist Robby Starbuck believes Cracker Barrel’s logo redesign is part of a larger “woke” shift away from their loyal customer base. (Bess Adler/Bloomberg/Joe Raedle/Getty)
Cracker Barrel’s Alleged Embrace of Wokeness
Starbuck went on to criticize Cracker Barrel’s participation in events like the Out and Equal Workplace Summit, where they made rocking chairs in every color of the rainbow to represent the LGBTQ+ flag. The company received an award for having the top LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG) in 2018 from Out and Equal.
Customers are seen dining inside a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store restaurant in Stuart, Florida. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Cracker Barrel’s Response
Cracker Barrel, in response to the criticism, stated that they have not participated in the Human Rights Campaign Index or had any affiliation with HRC in several years. The company dismissed the allegations as coming from a “vocal minority.”
Starbuck also called out specific employees at Cracker Barrel, including Steve Smotherman and Rachel CampBell, for their involvement in promoting LGBTQ+ initiatives within the company.
A Cracker Barrel restaurant in Dumfries, Virginia, US, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. (Nathan Howard/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Conclusion
In conclusion, Starbuck emphasized that the controversy surrounding Cracker Barrel’s logo change goes beyond just a design update. He believes it is a reflection of a larger cultural shift towards “wokeness” and away from traditional values. Starbuck urged conservatives and Christians to reconsider supporting Cracker Barrel and suggested that the company may need to reconsider its branding strategy to retain its customer base.
Overall, the debate over Cracker Barrel’s logo redesign highlights the ongoing tension between corporate values and customer expectations in today’s increasingly polarized society.
Fox News Digital’s Brian Flood and Nikolas Lanum contributed to this report.
Cracker Barrel did not respond Fox News Digital’s request for comment in time for publication.
