Cracker Barrel confirmed it removed the Pride section from its website and made changes to its business resource groups, a spokesperson stated. The updates were described as part of the company’s broader brand work, which included adding new content and removing out-of-date material.
The Pride page, which previously listed the Nashville Pride Parade the chain sponsored, is no longer visible, and the link now redirects to Cracker Barrel’s "Culture and Belonging" page. The page emphasizes that welcoming people has always been central to the company’s mission.
The restaurant faced scrutiny from conservative activists over its past support of LGBT causes, including sponsorship of the 2024 Nashville Pride Parade and rainbow-colored rocking chairs for Pride month. Cracker Barrel also had an LGBT business resource group called the "LGBTQ+ Alliance," along with groups for veterans and other communities.
A spokesperson confirmed the company changed its business resource groups months ago to focus on corporate giving initiatives. These now center on addressing food insecurity, supporting community needs through food, and reducing food waste. While the BRGs were listed on the website Wednesday, they have since been removed.
Cracker Barrel has a long history with LGBT advocacy and controversy. Its LGBT group founder once served on the Human Rights Campaign’s Business Advisory Council, though the company has not participated in the HRC index or had any affiliation in recent years. The chain initially received a zero score on the index in 2002 but later improved to 80 by 2021 after public pro-LGBT actions.
Over the years, the chain has made multiple high-profile decisions related to social issues, including pulling "Duck Dynasty" products in 2014 and barring a pastor from hosting an event in 2019 due to homophobic comments. Cracker Barrel has also faced backlash for redesigning its restaurants and simplifying its logo, which originally featured an old man leaning over a barrel.
In response to consumer outrage over the logo change, the chain announced it would return to its former design featuring "The Old Timer." "We said we would listen, and we have," the company said. "At Cracker Barrel, it’s always been — and always will be — about serving up delicious food, warm welcomes, and the kind of country hospitality that feels like family."