Cracker Barrel, the popular family restaurant chain, surprised many when it shared a positive message in support of Pride Month on its Facebook account.
The Tennessee-based company, known for its Southern cuisine and unique gift shops, expressed excitement about celebrating Pride Month with its employees and guests. However, some individuals were taken aback by this inclusive stance, as the company had a history of firing gay employees in the early 1990s due to a controversial policy promoting “heterosexual values.”
Criticism of Cracker Barrel’s new stance surfaced on social media, with some accusing the company of “caving to the mob.” Angry posts questioned why the company appeared to “hate its patrons” or demanded that it “cut this crap out.”
We take no pleasure in reporting that @CrackerBarrel has fallen.
A once family friendly establishment has caved to the mob. pic.twitter.com/IM0p1NT20S
— Texas Family Project (@FamilyProjectTX) June 8, 2023
However, Cracker Barrel has been actively embracing Pride Month and promoting rainbow-themed products for the past few years.
While the company’s past discrimination against LGBTQ+ employees is remembered, it has made efforts to improve. Cracker Barrel currently holds a score of 80 out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.
Conservatives, particularly those who disapprove of the company’s inclusive message, voiced their dismay and anger towards the Facebook post. However, as of now, Cracker Barrel has not yielded to pressure from the anti-LGBTQ+ movement that has targeted other corporations expressing support for the queer community.
sir, the cracker barrel has fallen https://t.co/SHfZVNtSL1 pic.twitter.com/kNnWH9h2lz
— Brian Floyd (@BrianMFloyd) June 9, 2023
The backlash against Cracker Barrel’s embrace of Pride Month and diversity initiatives reflects a larger trend of conservative groups boycotting companies they perceive as being “too woke.” Cracker Barrel joins a list of other brands and companies that have faced similar criticism, including Chick-fil-A, Bud Light, Target, Kohl’s, The North Face, and Lego.
Cracker Barrel, why do you hate your patrons? How did you come to despise your consumer base? You have lost your mind if you think the thousands of people who drive out of their way to eat your middling food want this.
Never again. No more bus loads for you. pic.twitter.com/Kt2DwJabYn
— Shelby Foote Appreciator⚓️ (@NoJesuitTricks) June 9, 2023
Despite the conservative outcry, many individuals have expressed support for Cracker Barrel’s inclusive message on social media. The company has actively responded to positive posts, emphasizing its commitment to creating a welcoming environment for everyone.
After the great gay purge of 1991, the gays have slowly infiltrated and taken over Cracker Barrel. We play the long game. pic.twitter.com/kQhhbSrROm
— Alejandra Caraballo (@Esqueer_) June 9, 2023
The controversy surrounding Cracker Barrel’s shift in values has sparked humorous reactions on Twitter, causing the topic to trend online.
