Cracker Barrel confirmed on July 27, 2026, that CEO Julie Masino is stepping down, nearly a year after a rebrand attempt sparked a major public backlash against the company. As the news spreads, many people are searching for details about Julie Masino’s age, her career background, and the circumstances behind her exit. Here’s everything confirmed so far.
How Old Is Julie Masino?
Julie Felss Masino was identified as 52 years old in Cracker Barrel’s official press release announcing her appointment as CEO on July 18, 2023. Based on that disclosure, Masino is approximately 55 years old as of July 2026. Some reports place her birth year around 1971, which would align with the age listed in the company’s 2023 announcement.
Julie Masino Stepping Down as Cracker Barrel CEO
Cracker Barrel announced on Monday, July 27, 2026, that Masino will step down as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the company’s Board of Directors, effective August 10, 2026. She will be succeeded by David Deno, who most recently served as CEO of Bloomin’ Brands, the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, and Bonefish Grill, from 2019 to 2024.
Following the leadership change, Masino will remain with Cracker Barrel in an advisory capacity through October 9, 2026, to support a smooth transition, according to the company’s official statement.
Why Is Julie Masino Leaving Cracker Barrel?
Masino’s departure comes nearly a year after Cracker Barrel unveiled a simplified, text-only logo in August 2025 as part of a broader rebrand that also included modernized restaurant interiors. The redesign removed the chain’s longtime “Uncle Herschel” imagery — the folksy image of a man in a wicker chair leaning against a barrel — which had been part of the brand since the 1970s.
The change sparked immediate and intense backlash from customers and social media users, with critics accusing the company of abandoning its nostalgic, small-town identity. The controversy wiped out close to $100 million in company value at its peak, and Cracker Barrel shares lost more than half their value during the height of the criticism.
Within weeks, Cracker Barrel reversed course, announcing it would keep its original “Old Timer” logo and suspend planned restaurant remodels. In a company statement at the time, Cracker Barrel said, “We said we would listen, and we have.”
Masino largely stayed out of the public eye after the backlash, speaking mainly during earnings calls and a lengthy interview with conservative radio host Glenn Beck in November 2025, where she said she felt she had “been fired by America.” She also survived an activist investor challenge that same month, when shareholders voted to keep her in the role.
Cracker Barrel’s Recent Business Performance
Despite the turmoil, Cracker Barrel’s business has shown signs of recovery in recent months. The company reported better-than-expected revenue in its most recent quarter and raised its full-year financial outlook just about a week before announcing Masino’s exit.
Independent Board Chairman Carl Berquist thanked Masino for “her leadership and commitment to Cracker Barrel” and for her partnership in ensuring a smooth leadership transition as the company continues executing its strategic priorities.
Who Is David Deno, Cracker Barrel’s New CEO?
David Deno, Masino’s successor, brings more than four decades of experience in the restaurant and retail industries. He will officially join Cracker Barrel as CEO and a member of the Board of Directors on August 10, 2026. In a statement, Deno called Cracker Barrel “a truly iconic American brand, defined by its unique combination of warm country hospitality, timeless appeal, and deep connection with guests across generations.”
Julie Masino’s Career Background
Before joining Cracker Barrel in November 2023, Masino built a career spanning more than 30 years in retail and restaurant leadership. She served as President, International of Taco Bell from January 2020 to June 2023, and as President, North America of Taco Bell from January 2018 to December 2019. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles at Fisher-Price and Mattel, served as President and CEO of Sprinkles Cupcakes from 2014 to 2017, and spent over a decade at Starbucks from 2002 to 2014. She began her professional career at retail companies including Godiva Chocolatier, Coach, J. Crew, and Macy’s. Masino holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
What are people saying about Julie Masino’s exit? Reaction to the announcement has been mixed. Some observers note that her advisory role through October is a fairly standard transition arrangement for departing executives, while critics of the 2025 rebrand argue the leadership change was long overdue given the financial and reputational damage caused by the redesign.
Is Julie Masino leaving immediately? No. Her departure as CEO and board member takes effect August 10, 2026, and she will continue supporting the company in an advisory role until October 9, 2026.
What Happens Next for Cracker Barrel
With David Deno set to take the helm on August 10, 2026, Cracker Barrel now shifts its focus toward stabilizing its brand identity and building on recent signs of financial recovery, following one of the most turbulent stretches in the company’s history.
What do you think about Julie Masino’s exit from Cracker Barrel? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!