Rooted in 55 years of tradition, Cracker Barrel's rich history paves the way for a new chapter of growth.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. ("Cracker Barrel" or the "Company") announced it has appointed industry-leading agencies to support its brand refresh, an important milestone in Cracker Barrel's journey to strengthen its connection with both loyal and new guests. Having named three new agencies of record: Prophet, Viral Nation, and Blue Engine. Grounded in a rich history of country hospitality, the refresh is guided by extensive guest research and data-driven insights to enhance the Cracker Barrel experience while preserving the authentic charm that has made the brand a beloved destination for generations of families.
"Since 1969, Cracker Barrel has greeted guests with a warm welcome and craveable food, but as guest expectations evolve, we're embarking on an exciting journey to refresh our brand," said Sarah Moore, Cracker Barrel Chief Marketing Officer. "This is a beloved brand with strong emotional ties, so it was paramount that we selected the right expertise to help us define our evolved identity. This collaborative team plays a key role working with our internal team to craft the next chapter of our brand story—one that resonates with loyal guests while welcoming new ones to our table."
The brand refresh, which is currently underway, includes visual elements, reimagined restaurant spaces, and innovative food and retail offerings – all while honoring the authentic hospitality and warmth that keeps guests falling in love with the brand.
"Cracker Barrel is an iconic brand with a deeply loyal following, and we’re honored to help shape its next chapter through the power of social-first storytelling,” said Joe Gagliese, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Viral Nation. “Today’s audiences connect with brands in entirely new ways, and our mission is to ensure Cracker Barrel not only reaches but resonates with the next generation of guests but also deepens its bond with longtime loyal guests. Through AI-driven insights and culturally relevant content, we’ll amplify the brand’s voice, create meaningful engagement, and position Cracker Barrel at the center of digital conversations—where nostalgia meets the future of dining."
Today's audiences engage with brands in entirely new ways, and our mission is to help Cracker Barrel not only connect with the next generation of guests but also deepen its bond with longtime loyal customers.
More about the agencies:
- Prophet, a global strategic and creative growth consultancy, is partnering with Cracker Barrel to refresh the brand and create engaging guest and employee experiences. In collaboration with Cracker Barrel, they are focused on shaping a new brand vision that will enhance market share while preserving the Company's unique heritage. This new strategy will inform brand communication, restaurant redesigns, brand marketing campaigns and a redefined employee value proposition.
- Viral Nation, the leader in social-first innovation, supports social media transformation for the brand, scaling reach, engagement, and ROI with advanced social-first strategies and proprietary AI-powered technology. The agency will develop end-to-end social media marketing solutions; curate, launch, and create innovative, high-volume content to resonate with new, socially-native audiences while maintaining engagement with Cracker Barrel's core audience. This partnership will fuel the Company's growth goals, expanding its digital presence and evolving the brand's positioning within culture.
- Blue Engine, a leading global strategic and creative communications firm, supports company storytelling, consumer public relations, experiential marketing and strategic partnerships. This team will ensure consistent messaging across all stakeholder groups and elevate Cracker Barrel's storytelling through earned media, special events, and innovative partnerships that bring Cracker Barrel's redefined brand vision to life in new and exciting ways.
In May 2024, Cracker Barrel launched a bold strategic transformation to revitalize its iconic American restaurant brand. This initiative focuses on five key areas: refreshing the brand identity, optimizing menu, pricing and preparation, enhancing store execution and the unique retail experience, expanding digital capabilities, and elevating the employee experience.
About Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.is on a mission to bring craveable, delicious homestyle food and unique retail products to all guests while serving up memorable, distinctive experiences that make everyone feel welcome. Established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tenn., Cracker Barrel and its affiliates operate approximately 660 company-owned Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations in 43 states and own the fast-casual Maple Street Biscuit Company. For more information about the company, visit crackerbarrel.com.
About Viral Nation
Viral Nation is a global leader in social media innovation, uniting powerful marketing services, proprietary technology, and creator representation. Our belief that creators and social communities are the new media of today and tomorrow steers our world-class services, which include influencer marketing, community management, social content production, experiential marketing, social strategy, and our talent representation agency.
Our creator intelligence technology, CreatorOS™, and AI-powered brand safety solution, Secure™, allow us to maximize creator partnerships while safeguarding brand reputation.
Viral Nation powers global growth for brands like e.l.f. Cosmetics, Audible, A24, MGM Resorts International, Microsoft, Meta, Tencent, Zillow, and Walmart, redefining how brands engage and thrive in an ever-evolving digital world. For more information, please visit viralnation.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Media Contacts:
Media Relations
Media.Relations@crackerbarrel.com
Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis
PR for Viral Nation