Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has stirred up more than just its famous hashbrown casserole with a controversial new policy that’s making headlines across the country. In a leaked internal memo obtained by the Wall Street Journal, the Southern restaurant chain has mandated that employees traveling for work must eat the majority—if not all—of their meals at Cracker Barrel locations. The policy, which also sharply curtails alcohol reimbursement, represents one of the most dramatic corporate dining restrictions in recent memory and raises important questions about employee well-being, nutritional choices, and the balance between cost-cutting and health.
How the New Dining Policy Unfolded: Inside the Leaked Memo
According to reports from the Wall Street Journal and subsequent coverage by multiple news outlets, Cracker Barrel’s new travel and expense guidelines were distributed to employees in early February 2026. The memo states that “employees are expected to dine at a Cracker Barrel store for all or the majority of meals while traveling, whenever practical based on location and availability.” This directive effectively limits traveling staff to the chain’s own restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner during business trips.
The policy goes beyond just food choices. In a significant shift, alcohol purchases will no longer be reimbursed unless an exception is approved in advance by senior leadership. As Newsweek reported, “Alcohol is no longer reimbursed, unless an exception is approved in advance by senior leadership.” This double restriction—on both dining venues and alcohol—comes as Cracker Barrel continues to grapple with financial challenges following a failed rebrand and declining sales.
Timeline: How Cracker Barrel Reached This Point
The road to this restrictive dining policy has been paved with several challenging years for the iconic chain. In August 2025, Cracker Barrel attempted a major logo redesign that removed the familiar “old man” figure, triggering immediate backlash from loyal customers and conservative commentators who accused the chain of going “woke.” The attempted rebrand failed spectacularly, resulting in a significant stock price decline and what some analysts called a “brand identity crisis.”
By early 2026, the company was implementing cost-cutting measures across multiple areas. The new dining policy emerged as part of these broader austerity measures. According to The Independent, the guidelines arrived amid layoffs at the company’s corporate headquarters, creating what one industry observer called “a perfect storm of corporate belt-tightening.” The timing suggests that the dining restrictions are less about culinary consistency and more about controlling expenses during a period of financial uncertainty.
Why This Policy Matters for Employee Health and Nutrition
From a health and wellness perspective, Cracker Barrel’s new policy presents both challenges and opportunities for employees. On one hand, limiting dining options could potentially restrict access to varied, balanced meals—especially for employees with specific dietary needs or preferences. The Southern-inspired menu, known for its generous portions and comfort food focus, might not align with everyone’s nutritional goals if consumed multiple times per week.
However, this situation also highlights an important reality: even within a menu known for hearty, traditional fare, healthy choices are available. The key is knowing what to order. As Cleveland.com noted in their coverage, “The policy raises questions about nutrition and choice for employees.” For health-conscious employees—and indeed for any diner looking to make better choices—understanding Cracker Barrel’s healthier options becomes essential.
The Healthier Side of Cracker Barrel: Smart Choices Under 600 Calories
Contrary to popular perception, Cracker Barrel offers numerous menu items that can fit into a balanced, nutritious diet. The company’s own blog highlights “Tasty Meal Ideas & Sides Under 600 Calories,” including several options that provide substantial nutrition without excessive calories.
Some of the standout healthy choices include:
- Grilled Chicken Tenders (270 calories): A lean protein source that’s grilled rather than fried, providing approximately 27 grams of protein per serving.
- U.S. Farm-raised Grilled Catfish (260 calories): Another excellent grilled option offering healthy omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein.
- House Salad (160 calories): When paired with a lighter dressing like balsamic herb vinaigrette (210 calories), this makes for a nutritious, vegetable-rich meal.
- Chicken n’ Dumplins (450 calories): While higher in calories, this comfort food classic can be balanced with lighter sides.
- Bowl of Turnip Greens (250 calories): A fiber-rich, nutrient-dense side that adds vegetables to any meal.
According to nutrition experts at Verywell Fit, strategic ordering can make Cracker Barrel visits compatible with health goals. They recommend focusing on grilled rather than fried proteins, choosing vegetable-based sides, and being mindful of portion sizes—advice that traveling employees can apply during their mandatory dining experiences.
Where Things Stand Now: Employee Reactions and Legal Considerations
Initial reactions to the policy have been mixed. Some industry analysts see it as a reasonable cost-control measure during challenging times, while others question its impact on employee morale and choice. Legal experts note that while employers generally have broad discretion over expense policies, requirements that significantly impact employee well-being could potentially face scrutiny.
“There’s a balance between corporate financial interests and reasonable employee accommodations,” noted one employment attorney quoted by Yahoo Finance. “While companies can certainly encourage dining at their own establishments, policies that essentially mandate it raise questions about choice and accommodation for dietary restrictions.”
For now, Cracker Barrel employees on business trips will need to navigate the new reality. Those with specific dietary needs—whether due to medical conditions, religious observances, or personal health goals—may need to seek exceptions or make careful menu selections.
What Happens Next: The Future of Corporate Dining Policies
Cracker Barrel’s move may signal a broader trend toward more restrictive corporate dining policies as companies seek to control costs in an uncertain economic environment. Other restaurant chains and retail companies with extensive travel requirements will likely be watching closely to see how the policy affects both expenses and employee satisfaction.
From a health perspective, this situation underscores the importance of nutritional literacy—the ability to make healthy choices within any dining environment. As one dietitian noted in coverage by Verywell Fit, “No restaurant menu is inherently ‘unhealthy.’ It’s about knowing what to look for and how to customize your order.” This wisdom applies equally to Cracker Barrel employees under the new policy and to any diner seeking to maintain healthy habits while eating out.
The coming months will reveal whether Cracker Barrel’s dining policy proves sustainable or faces revision. Employee feedback, nutritional outcomes, and financial results will all play a role in determining whether this approach becomes a lasting policy or a temporary measure.
The Bottom Line: Key Takeaways for Health-Conscious Diners
Cracker Barrel’s new dining rule highlights several important considerations for anyone concerned with nutrition and healthy eating:
- Even within limited dining options, healthy choices are often available with careful selection.
- Grilled proteins, vegetable sides, and salads can form the basis of nutritious meals at Cracker Barrel.
- Portion awareness remains crucial—many restaurant servings are larger than recommended portions.
- Alcohol moderation aligns with both health goals and corporate policy under the new guidelines.
- Nutritional knowledge empowers diners to make better choices in any restaurant environment.
For Cracker Barrel employees, the new policy represents a significant change in their travel experience. For health-conscious consumers, it serves as a reminder that healthy eating is possible even within traditionally “indulgent” menus. And for the restaurant industry at large, it may signal a new era of corporate dining policies that balance financial pressures with employee well-being.
As the story continues to develop, one thing remains clear: in an era of increasing attention to workplace wellness and nutritional awareness, policies that affect how and where employees eat will continue to generate discussion at the intersection of business, health, and personal choice.
