Cracker Barrel Issues Statement After Backlash

"If the last few days have shown us anything, it’s how deeply people care about Cracker Barrel. We’re truly grateful for your heartfelt voices," the company said. "You’ve also shown us that we could’ve done a better job sharing who we are and who we’ll always be."

The company said what has not and "will never change" are the values Cracker Barrel was built on when the Lebanon, Tennessee-based chain first opened in 1969.

Those values, the statement read, are "hard work, family, and scratch-cooked food made with care."

Cracker Barrel also said it values offering a place where everyone feels at home, regardless of where they are from or where they are headed.

"That’s the Cracker Barrel you’ll always find," the statement read. "The things people love most about our stores aren’t going anywhere: rocking chairs on the porch, a warm fire in the hearth, peg games on the table, unique treasures in our gift shop, and vintage Americana with antiques pulled straight from our warehouse in Lebanon, Tennessee.

"We love seeing how much you care about our ‘old timer.’ We love him too. Uncle Herschel will still be on our menu (welcome back Uncle Herschel’s Favorite Breakfast Platter), on our road signs and featured in our country store. He’s not going anywhere — he’s family," the statement continued.

The company said the biggest focus at the moment is "in the kitchen and on your plate," rather than on the headlines about its logo and remodels.

"Meatloaf, chicken n’ dumplins, country fried steak, sides that taste like Sunday supper, and yes, the world’s best pancakes, they’re all still here, with a few new dishes joining the menu. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time guest, we want you to feel at home around our table," the statement read. "We also want to be sure Cracker Barrel is here for the next generation of families, just as it has been for yours."

Cracker Barrel explained that planning for future generations means "showing up on new platforms and in new ways, but always with our heritage at the heart."

"We take that responsibility very seriously. We know we won’t always get everything right the first time, but we’ll keep testing, learning, and listening to our guests and employees," the company wrote. "At the end of the day, our promise is simple: you’ll always find comfort, community, and country hospitality here at Cracker Barrel. Uncle Herschel wouldn’t have wanted it any other way."