Cracker Barrel Appoints David Deno as New CEO, Replacing Julie Masino
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has appointed David Deno as its new chief executive officer, succeeding Julie Masino who is stepping down from her role and the company's board on August 10, 2026. Masino will remain in a transitional advisory capacity until October 9. With over four decades of experience in restaurant and retail sectors, Deno previously served as CEO at Bloomin' Brands (2019–2024) and held senior roles at Yum! Brands and Burger King. Deno is currently on the boards of Krispy Kreme and Panera Brands. Cracker Barrel's board chairman Carl Berquist praised Deno for his leadership experience, expressing confidence in his ability to drive operational and financial growth while preserving the brand’s legacy. Masino had faced activist shareholder pressure due to recent controversies but retained support after a November vote. The company recently reported strong third-quarter results with revenue of $797.4 million and adjusted earnings per diluted share of 29 cents, leading it to raise its full-year forecast.
Topics: leadership restaurant industry