Cracker Barrel is in the hot seat again—this time, not just for its logo drama. The company has confirmed that 14 Maple Street Biscuit Company locations will be closing as part of a cost-cutting move. This comes after customer outrage forced the chain to ditch a modernized brand refresh. Between financial struggles, public pushback, and a shifting food industry, Cracker Barrel is making tough calls. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening with its beloved biscuit brand and how the company is navigating its rocky path forward.
Maple Street Loses 14 Stores
Cracker Barrel revealed in its quarterly earnings call that 14 Maple Street Biscuit Company restaurants will soon shut down. The closures are part of a fiscal strategy leading into 2026. While the exact list of locations hasn’t been released, a company chart showed two locations already closed in the fourth quarter. Fans are left waiting and wondering if their local spot will survive.
Customers Left in the Dark
Unlike other chains that publish detailed closure lists, Cracker Barrel has chosen not to release which Maple Street locations are on the chopping block. This leaves regulars guessing if their favorite breakfast joint might be next. The uncertainty adds a sting for loyal diners who have been supporting the brand for years.
“Didn’t Meet Expectations”
In a statement to USA Today, Cracker Barrel explained the reasoning behind the closures: the restaurants simply didn’t meet financial expectations. The company thanked guests for their loyalty and praised employees for their dedication, but the cold reality is that dollars ultimately decide survival.
68 Locations Still Standing
Despite the cuts, Maple Street isn’t disappearing altogether. At the end of the fourth quarter, 68 company-owned restaurants remained in operation. The brand still has a sizable footprint, but scaling back is a sign that even popular names aren’t immune to industry pressures.
From Startup to Cracker Barrel Takeover
Back in 2019, Cracker Barrel bought Maple Street Biscuit Company for $36 million. At the time, the brand operated just 28 company-owned and five franchised restaurants across seven states. The acquisition was seen as a bold move to diversify Cracker Barrel’s portfolio with a younger, breakfast-focused chain.
Costly Gamble for Growth
The deal gave Cracker Barrel quick access to a trendy concept, but growing pains followed. Expanding Maple Street hasn’t been cheap, and not every market embraced the Southern-style biscuit chain. The new closures are a clear signal that Cracker Barrel is pulling back after years of aggressive expansion.
Logo Change Sparks Uproar
It wasn’t just the biscuits making headlines—Cracker Barrel recently tested a sleek new logo. The redesign ditched the company’s classic “old timer,” a symbol customers had cherished for decades. Fans erupted on social media, blasting the company for erasing its nostalgic roots.
Remodeling Plans Scrapped
Alongside the logo rollout, Cracker Barrel announced plans to modernize its restaurant interiors. But backlash was swift, with many fans insisting the rustic charm was exactly why they loved the brand. After listening to customer outrage, the company quickly abandoned both the remodel and the logo change.
CEO Steps In To Reassure Fans
Julie Masino, Cracker Barrel’s president and CEO, addressed the controversy during the earnings call. She thanked customers for voicing their concerns and promised to keep the classic “Old Timer” logo. Masino also emphasized a renewed focus on the kitchen and guest experience—signaling the company wants to win back trust.
Tough Road for Casual Dining Chains
Cracker Barrel’s struggles aren’t unique. The casual dining sector has been hit hard by rising costs, shifting consumer habits, and stiff competition. Many brands are tightening operations, cutting stores, or rethinking their identities. Maple Street’s closures are just the latest reminder of how tough the landscape has become.
What Do You Think?
Maple Street Biscuit Company may not vanish entirely, but its shrinking footprint raises big questions about the future of comfort-food chains. Cracker Barrel is clearly trying to balance tradition with the demands of a tough market. Do you think they’re making the right call—or should they have fought harder to keep Maple Street’s doors open? Share your thoughts and tell us if your favorite location made it through.
