Cracker Barrel has implemented stringent dining rules for its employees, directing them to primarily eat at company locations while traveling for work. This policy, revealed in a recent internal memo obtained by the Wall Street Journal, also specifies that employees will not be reimbursed for alcohol unless approved for special occasions. The memo has stirred criticism on social media, with users questioning the company’s cost-cutting measures amid a challenging business environment.
In a communication dated February 2, 2026, Cracker Barrel instructed staff to postpone work-related travel until later in the year. If travel is necessary, employees are expected to dine at a Cracker Barrel location for most meals, contingent on their schedule and proximity. The memo states, “Employees are expected to dine at a Cracker Barrel store for all or the majority of meals while traveling, whenever practical.” This directive is part of the chain’s broader efforts to manage expenses during a period of financial scrutiny.
The new dining policy follows a tumultuous period for Cracker Barrel, particularly after a failed logo redesign that negatively impacted its stock performance. The company introduced a new logo in August 2024, moving away from its 48-year-old “Old Timer” character in a bid to modernize its brand. This change, along with plans for a store redesign, received considerable backlash, leading Cracker Barrel to abandon the initiative altogether.
According to the internal memo, the dining policy is not entirely new. Cracker Barrel clarified that the requirement for employees to eat at its restaurants has been in place since June 2024. Additionally, the company emphasized that this measure is not exclusive, as employees are permitted to choose other dining options while on the road. The memo’s primary update is a stricter limitation on reimbursements for alcoholic beverages.
The response from the public has been mixed, with some users on social media criticizing the company’s approach. One user on the platform X described the dining rules as “belt-tightening,” while another sarcastically remarked that companies may soon expect employees to “hitchhike to the offsite.”
These developments reflect a broader trend in corporate expense management. The term “travelscrimping” was coined by expense management company SAP Concur in its 2025 Global Business Travel Survey, highlighting the tightening of employee travel expenses across various industries.
As Cracker Barrel navigates its recovery from a challenging year, the focus remains on cost control and brand management. The company’s new dining guidelines aim to standardize employee expectations while addressing the financial pressures it faces in the competitive restaurant landscape.
