Part 1/15:
The Rise and Fall of Woke Innovation at Cracker Barrel: A Market Perspective
In recent times, traditional American brands have found themselves in the crosshairs of cultural shifts, with some pivoting toward progressive branding strategies allegedly to appeal to a broader, more modern audience. One such case is Cracker Barrel, the beloved country-themed restaurant chain renowned for its nostalgic Southern Americana. However, under the leadership of what some call a “woke Karen” CEO, Julie Msino, the company undertook a controversial rebranding effort that appeared to alienate its core customer base, leading to significant financial repercussions.