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Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino to step down Aug. 10, David Deno named successor

Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino to step down Aug. 10, David Deno named successor

Restaurant veteran David Deno will take over as CEO as Masino leaves after a rebranding backlash and remains in an advisory role through Oct. 9 during the transition.

Fact Check
Every element of the claim is confirmed by multiple independent sources. Investing.com and BigGo Finance both state David Deno becomes CEO effective August 10, 2026, succeeding Julie Masino, and that Masino stays in an advisory role until October 9, 2026. WSJ coverage independently confirms Masino stepping down effective Aug. 10 replaced by Deno. Deno is described as a restaurant veteran (former Bloomin' Brands/Outback CEO), matching the claim.
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Summary

Cracker Barrel said Chief Executive Julie Masino will step down on Aug. 10, 2026, with former Bloomin’ Brands CEO David Deno taking over as the restaurant chain navigates a leadership change after a turbulent rebranding effort and uneven sales recovery. Masino will remain in an advisory role through Oct. 9. The Lebanon, Tennessee-based company, which operates nearly 660 restaurants in 43 states, hired Masino in July 2023 to broaden its appeal, but menu changes, store remodels and a proposed logo redesign last year triggered a sharp customer backlash. Masino reversed the logo change within days, yet same-store restaurant sales fell 5% last fall and 7% in the quarter ended Jan. 30, 2026, while retail sales at connected stores declined even more. Sales trends improved more recently, with same-store restaurant sales down 2.6% in the quarter ended May 1 and the company raising its full-year revenue and profit forecast. Masino also oversaw the sale of Maple Street Biscuit Co., sharpening Cracker Barrel’s focus on its core brand. Citi analyst Jon Tower said the departure was surprising given the recent improvement, and shares fell 2.7% in early afternoon trading.

Terms & Concepts
  • same-store restaurant sales: A measure comparing sales at locations open long enough to track underlying performance without the effect of new openings.