Cracker Barrel Old Country Store named David Deno as its next chief executive officer on Monday, replacing Julie Masino, who is stepping down from the role and from the company's board effective August 10, 2026. The company said Masino will continue with Cracker Barrel in a transitional advisory role until October 9.
Deno brings more than four decades of restaurant and retail industry experience to the role. Most recently, he served as chief executive of Bloomin' Brands from 2019 to 2024, where he led the company through a period of international expansion. Before becoming CEO at Bloomin' Brands, he served as the company's executive vice president and chief financial officer beginning in 2012, a tenure that included leading its initial public offering. He also held senior operations and finance roles at Yum! Brands and Pizza Hut, including serving as CFO and chief operating officer of Yum! Brands, and began his career at Burger King Corporation. Deno currently serves on the boards of Krispy Kreme and Panera Brands.
Carl Berquist, independent chairman of Cracker Barrel's board, cited Deno's track record across restaurant and retail in announcing the appointment. "We are confident David is the right leader to continue building on the Cracker Barrel legacy, drive further positive momentum operationally and financially, and create sustainable value for our shareholders," Berquist said in a statement.
"Cracker Barrel is a truly iconic American brand, defined by its unique combination of warm country hospitality, timeless appeal, and deep connection with guests across generations," Deno said in a statement. "I am honored to lead the Cracker Barrel team and look forward to unlocking the full potential of this remarkable brand."
Masino's exit comes after a turbulent stretch for the Lebanon, Tennessee-based chain. She faced activist shareholder pressure following controversy over the company's logo change and restaurant remodels last summer, though shareholders voted to retain her in November, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Cracker Barrel had recently posted third-quarter results that exceeded analyst expectations and raised its full-year forecast, with adjusted earnings of 29 cents per diluted share on revenue of $797.4 million for the fiscal third quarter ended May 1. The company operates approximately 660 locations across 43 states.