In an internal message obtained by the Wall Street Journal, the company said 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 schedule.” The guidance also bars the company from reimbursing alcohol purchases on business trips unless workers pay out of pocket or get pre‑approval for special occasions from senior leadership. The Independent has contacted Cracker Barrel for comment. The travel meal policy comes as Cracker Barrel continues efforts to trim expenses amid sagging traffic and revenue growth that has slowed in recent years. Cracker Barrel is also still feeling the effects of its disastrous 2025 rebrand efforts, and now customers are turning their ire toward changes in its menu.

Cracker Barrel learns they’re not as financially secure as Anheuser-Busch.