- Julie Masino steps down as Cracker Barrel CEO amid logo controversy and activist pressure.
- David Deno has been named the new CEO of Cracker Barrel following Masino's departure.
- Masino will receive a $4.6 million payout over a two-year period as long as she remains terminated without cause, according to a company filing.
- Her annual compensation was $6.4 million, including a base salary of $1 million plus stock awards, according to a company filing in 2025.
Julie Masino's tenure at Cracker Barrel was marked by ambitious plans to modernize the brand, including a logo redesign and menu changes aimed at attracting younger customers. However, these initiatives sparked controversy and led to declining sales, forcing her to abandon many of her strategies.
Masino's departure comes with a $4.6 million payout, contingent on her termination without cause, as detailed in a company filing. Her annual compensation was reported at $6.4 million, which included a base salary of $1 million plus stock awards.34
Deno's appointment signals a potential shift in strategy for Cracker Barrel, which has faced challenges in recent years, including a backlash against Masino's changes that were amplified on social media. The company now looks to stabilize its operations and regain customer trust after a tumultuous period under Masino's leadership.
As Cracker Barrel navigates this transition, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Deno plans to address the issues that plagued his predecessor and whether he can restore the brand's appeal to its core customer base.
“Julie Masino's annual compensation was $6.4 million, including a base salary of $1 million plus stock awards, according to a company filing in 2025. Her payout of $4.6 million will be distributed over a two-year period, contingent on her termination status.”
WSJ
