‘The Massive Cash Present’ panelists react to Cracker Barrel’s failing rebrand as shares of the enduring chain take a steep hit.
A Cracker Barrel board member who has drawn controversy over his DEI background has resigned, the corporate introduced Thursday.
Upon asserting that shareholders voted to elect 9 of the corporate’s 10 board nominees, together with CEO Julie Felss Masino, in the course of the annual assembly Thursday, Cracker Barrel revealed that following the vote, unbiased director Gilbert Dávila stepped down and the corporate’s board will now encompass 9 administrators.
“The Board and management staff are honored to be trusted with the accountability of stewarding Cracker Barrel and we take severely the belief our shareholders and visitors have positioned in us,” learn a press release from the board partly. “We additionally thank outgoing unbiased director, Gilbert Dávila, who has been a valued member of the Board via his 5 years of service to Cracker Barrel. Over that point, Gilbert helped oversee the formation of our strategic plan and led our Compensation Committee with talent and dedication. We’re grateful for his many contributions.”
The corporate had urged shareholders to maintain Dávila, who joined the board in 2020.
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Basic view of a Cracker Barrel Nation Retailer in Fishkill, New York, Aug. 25, 2025. (Richard Beetham for Fox Information Digital / Fox Information)
The vote marks a partial win for activist investor Sardar Biglari, who known as to oust each Masino and Dávila over his considerations about Cracker Barrel’s efficiency and its controversial August rebrand.
Biglari’s funding agency despatched a letter to shareholders on Nov. 6 telling them that his marketing campaign is “about saving Cracker Barrel from a board and administration staff which might be out of contact with Cracker Barrel’s buyer base.”
“The board has failed in each acquisition and within the opening of latest shops, employed the improper CEO, and permitted a ‘Strategic Transformation Plan’ that has not solely failed however has subjected the corporate to market ridicule and set the corporate again years by way of its monetary and inventory value efficiency,” the letter learn partly.
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Two main proxy advisory corporations, Institutional Shareholder Companies (ISS) and Glass Lewis, urged shareholders earlier this month to vote in opposition to a number of Cracker Barrel administrators.
“Our Board and management staff have nice appreciation for Cracker Barrel’s place because the entrance porch of America and residential to a few of our nation’s best attributes: household, onerous work, scratch-made meals, and nation hospitality,” the corporate stated T (Richard Beetham for Fox Information Digital / Fox Information)
ISS and Glass Lewis suggested shareholders to vote in opposition to Dávila, a advertising and variety specialist who served because the chair of the compensation committee. Glass Lewis additionally really helpful a vote in opposition to Jody Bilney, who chairs the corporate’s nominating and company governance committee.
Neither proxy agency really helpful ousting the CEO.
Cracker Barrel stated Biglari has launched eight proxy fights in 15 years and makes use of platforms tied to firms he controls, together with Steak ’n Shake, to make “false and deceptive statements.”
FOX Enterprise’ Jeff Flock stories on Cracker Barrel’s rebrand, together with adjustments to its emblem and inside makeover.
It accused Biglari of waging a “pricey and distracting” proxy marketing campaign to advance his personal pursuits, saying he has an extended historical past of “disruptive, failed campaigns” in opposition to the corporate.
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“Our Board and management staff have nice appreciation for Cracker Barrel’s place because the entrance porch of America and residential to a few of our nation’s best attributes: household, onerous work, scratch-made meals, and nation hospitality,” the corporate stated Thursday.
“We’re extra targeted than ever on delivering high-quality meals and experiences to our visitors whereas staying true to the heritage that makes Cracker Barrel so particular, making certain we’re right here to welcome households round our desk for generations to return. As at all times, we’re dedicated to returning the Firm to progress and enhancing worth for our shareholders.”
