Cracker Barrel Controversy – New Dining Rule Upsetting to Many

(KMDL-FM) For a company that loves to sell an image of a quiet and unassuming lifestyle, the folks at Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores and Restaurants have been living quite the opposite as of late. Perhaps you recall the discourse that was raised when the "king of comfort food" thought it would change the logo of its stores.

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That plan went over like a stale biscuit with no gravy, only margarine, and no butter on the table. The Cracker Barrel collective, that's what I am calling all the fans of the brand that got their knickers in a knot over the logo change, will now have another Cracker Barrel conundrum to wring their hands over while they sit by the roaring fire and contemplate that game with all the golf tees.

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Cracker Barrel has come under fire for a new policy that promotes the practice of "travelskimping". I am sure a lot of us understand the concept of getting the most out of our travel dollar, but for some reason, when Cracker Barrel suggests it, it's a bad thing. It might be.

What is Travelskimping, and Do a Lot of Companies Do It?

Before we get into what "travelskimping" really is, we should let you know that while we are just now discussing the Cracker Barrel policy here in 2026, the company says the policy has been on the books since 2024.

The company says it reissued the policy to its employees and store operators in the past few weeks as a reminder that the policy was on the books and to clarify concerns that many Cracker Barrel employees had about the company's policy on alcohol sales.

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Travelskimping is to corporate travel as shrinkflation is to consumers. It's a way for companies to maintain the appearance of proper goods and services at a particular price point by reducing the company's input cost. That's a fancy way of saying Cracker Barrel and a lot of other companies are now forcing their employees to travel on "the cheap".

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What is Cracker Barrel's New Controversial Dining Policy?

Part of that "travel on the cheap" means that for Cracker Barrel employees, they must eat at Cracker Barrel stores when they are on the road. The language concerning the policy reads like this,

The policy for employees to dine at Cracker Barrel while traveling for business, whenever practical, based on location and schedule...

Basically, if you're traveling for Cracker Barrel, you have to eat at Cracker Barrel. And if you want alcohol with your meal, that has to be approved before the company will pay the per diem. I guess the thinking is keep the money in-house?

As you might imagine, there has been pushback, so far it has been as strong as the pushback on the logo change, but that does seem like a "hard ask" to make for someone who is traveling on behalf of the company.

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I get it, if it's within reason, which is what the Cracker Barrel policy suggests, but it could make it difficult for an employee who might have to drive miles out of his or her way just to have lunch.

And since we're on the subject, would you consider Cracker Barrel to be a "romantic restaurant"? See for yourself if they made the list.