Cracker Barrel responds to reports about employee dining requirements during work travel
Cracker Barrel has responded to recent reports about its policy that requires employees to eat exclusively at its restaurants while traveling for work. The company clarified that this guidance is not new.
The Southern-themed restaurant chain informed FOX Business that the dining policy was initially introduced in June 2024. The company emphasized that employees traveling for business are encouraged, but not obligated, to eat at Cracker Barrel locations.
According to FOX Business, the company stated, “The policy for employees to dine at Cracker Barrel while traveling for business, whenever practical based on location and schedule, is not new.”
Additionally, Cracker Barrel mentioned that employees are not restricted to only eating at their restaurants while on the road, contrary to previous reports. The recent change in policy was primarily focused on limiting reimbursements for alcoholic beverages.
A recent report highlighted internal employee policies at Cracker Barrel. According to The Wall Street Journal, employees are encouraged to postpone work-related travel when possible and are expected to dine at Cracker Barrel locations when necessary.
Cracker Barrel is reportedly enforcing a stricter travel expense policy regarding alcohol, with employees now required to pay for alcoholic beverages out of pocket.
Exceptions to this policy must be approved in advance, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
The company stated, “Exceptions for special occasions must be pre-approved by an E-Team member.”
Cracker Barrel has faced challenges in recent months, including backlash from customers last summer over a logo redesign that removed the iconic “Old Timer” character. The company later reversed this decision.
During the fiscal first quarter earnings call in December 2026, CEO Julie Masino acknowledged that the company’s turnaround is taking longer than anticipated.
Barrel Cracker Dining employee Reports requirements responds Travel work
