Cracker Barrel Staff Forced to Eat Own Food on Work Trips: Inside the 'Travelscrimping' Trend

In a striking example of corporate cost-cutting sweeping American businesses, Cracker Barrel has mandated that employees dine exclusively at company-owned restaurants during business travel—or pay out of pocket. This internal policy, revealed in a memo obtained by the Wall Street Journal, represents the latest manifestation of "travelscrimping," a growing trend where companies slash travel expenses while expecting employees to maintain productivity.

Inside Cracker Barrel's Controversial Travel Policy

According to the internal memo circulating in February 2026, Cracker Barrel's new travel directive states: "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."

This marks a dramatic shift from standard corporate travel practices. Traditionally, business travelers receive company cards covering meals, transportation, and accommodations. Under Cracker Barrel's updated policy:

• Employees must pay for their own meals if they choose not to eat at Cracker Barrel locations
• No reimbursement for alcohol purchases without special pre-approval
• Strict documentation requirements for any non-company dining exceptions
• Geographic limitations apply—only when a Cracker Barrel is reasonably accessible

A company spokesperson confirmed to The U.S. Sun that the policy aims to control costs while maintaining that exceptions exist for locations or schedules where dining at Cracker Barrel isn't practical.

The 'Travelscrimping' Phenomenon: Why 2026 Is Different

The term "travelscrimping"—coined in recent corporate travel research—describes the subtle cutbacks employees face when companies refuse to fully fund business travel necessities. A 2025 global survey by SAP Concur and Wakefield Research reveals alarming trends:

• 91% of U.S. business travelers now pay out-of-pocket for travel upgrades and comforts
• 30% reduction in premium cabin access for business travelers
• 26% decrease in willingness to pay for nonstop flights
• 69% of travel managers report budgets too small to support business objectives

Despite 89% of companies maintaining or increasing travel budgets in 2026, inflationary pressures mean these funds don't stretch as far. The result? Employees increasingly subsidize their own business travel, creating tension between corporate austerity measures and worker satisfaction.

From Rebrand Disaster to Cost-Cutting: Cracker Barrel's Turbulent 2025-2026

The $100 Million Logo Mistake

Cracker Barrel's travel policy isn't occurring in a vacuum. It follows one of the most disastrous rebranding attempts in recent restaurant history. In August 2025, the company unveiled a new logo removing "Uncle Herschel"—the iconic figure sitting on a barrel who had represented the brand since 1977.

The backlash was immediate and severe:

• Stock value plummeted nearly $100 million within days of the announcement
• Conservative commentators labeled the change "woke," while design critics called it "soulless"
• Social media erupted with #SaveUncleHerschel campaigns
• CEO Julie Felss Masino faced intense scrutiny for the modernization attempt

The company reversed course within 48 hours, with Masino admitting: "We have already taken steps to get back on track. That's why our team pivoted quickly to switch back to our old-timer logo."

2026: The Year of Nostalgia and Corporate Restructuring

Now in February 2026, Cracker Barrel is attempting a different kind of reset. The company announced significant changes:

1. Menu Revitalization: Bringing back beloved classics including Hamburger Steak (original 1969 recipe) and Eggs in the Basket
2. Corporate Layoffs: Two rounds of headquarters staff reductions to streamline operations
3. Return to Roots: New marketing initiatives emphasizing "Uncle Herschel" and brand nostalgia
4. Cost Controls: The controversial travel dining mandate

The Broader Context: Retail Apocalypse 2026

Cracker Barrel's financial pressures reflect industry-wide struggles. While experts predicted 15,000 store closures for 2025, the final tally reached approximately 8,270 closures—still elevated but showing resilience. However, 2026 brings new challenges:

Major Retailers Closing Stores in 2026

• GameStop: Hundreds of locations shuttering
• Francesca's: All 460 stores liquidating after bankruptcy
• Macy's: 80 additional closures (part of 150-store plan through 2026)
• Kroger: 60 underperforming locations
• Carter's: 100 stores closing by year-end
• Walgreens: 350 locations targeted
• Yankee Candle: 20 stores in North America

Interestingly, retail openings are projected to increase 4.4% in 2026, with value retailers like Dollar General and Aldi expanding aggressively. This bifurcation—struggling legacy brands versus thriving discount chains—defines the current retail landscape.

What This Means for Workers and Consumers

Cracker Barrel's travel policy raises important questions about employee rights and corporate responsibility. While legal, requiring staff to patronize their own employer for mandatory business expenses creates potential conflicts:

• Limited dietary flexibility: Employees with specific nutritional needs may face challenges
• Revenue cycling concerns: Workers essentially subsidize company revenue through forced patronage
• Work-life balance: Extended travel becomes more burdensome when personal meal preferences are restricted

For consumers, these internal cost-cutting measures often presage broader changes. If Cracker Barrel continues financial tightening, menu price increases or reduced service quality may follow.

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Frequently Asked Questions (February 2026)

What is the Cracker Barrel employee travel meal policy in February 2026?

As of February 2026, Cracker Barrel requires employees traveling for business to dine at Cracker Barrel locations for the majority of meals when practical based on location and schedule. The company will not reimburse employees for meals eaten elsewhere, and alcohol expenses require special approval and are generally not covered.

What is 'travelscrimping' and why are companies adopting it in 2026?

Travelscrimping refers to corporate cost-cutting measures where employees must pay out-of-pocket for travel expenses previously covered by company policies. According to 2025 research, 91% of U.S. business travelers now self-fund upgrades and meals. Companies adopt this practice to combat inflationary pressures while maintaining travel budgets, though it creates tension between cost control and employee satisfaction.

Why did Cracker Barrel reverse its 2025 logo rebrand?

Cracker Barrel reversed its 2025 rebrand after losing nearly $100 million in stock value and facing massive customer backlash for removing 'Uncle Herschel' from its logo. The company pivoted back to its traditional logo within days, with CEO Julie Felss Masino admitting they 'could've done a better job sharing who we are.' The incident is now a case study in failed corporate rebranding.

Which retail stores are closing in 2026?

Major retailers closing stores in 2026 include GameStop (hundreds of locations), Francesca's (all 460 stores liquidating), Macy's (80 locations), Kroger (60 stores), Carter's (100 stores), Yankee Candle (20 stores), Walgreens (350 locations), Saks Off 5th (9 stores), and REI (3 locations). Despite these closures, overall retail openings are expected to increase 4.4% in 2026 as value retailers expand.

Sources and References

Information compiled from The Wall Street Journal, The U.S. Sun, Eat This Not That, Business Insider, and Coresight Research retail industry reports as of February 3, 2026.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Corporate policies change frequently. Verify current Cracker Barrel employment policies directly with the company before making career decisions.