Cracker Barrel Appoints Restaurant Veteran David Deno as CEO as Julie Masino Steps Down

LEBANON, Tenn. — Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. announced a top leadership transition, naming industry veteran David Deno as its next President and Chief Executive Officer.

Deno, the former chief executive of Bloomin’ Brands, will take the helm and join the company’s board of directors on August 10, 2026. He succeeds current CEO Julie Masino, who will step down from her executive role and board seat on the same date. To ensure an orderly handoff, Masino will stay on with the company in an advisory capacity through October 9, 2026.

The leadership change follows a comprehensive succession planning process by Cracker Barrel’s board as the 57-year-old casual dining and retail chain continues to navigate shifting consumer habits and refine its operational execution across its roughly 660 locations.

Executive Board Endorses Deno’s Track Record

Carl Berquist, Independent Chairman of the Cracker Barrel Board, praised Deno’s extensive history across casual dining, fast food, and retail:

“Following a robust and thoughtful search process, we are pleased to welcome David as Cracker Barrel’s next CEO,” Berquist stated. “He brings decades of experience across the restaurant and retail industries, with a strong track record of leading businesses through growth and a demonstrated commitment to operational excellence, guest experience, and team member engagement.”

Berquist added that the board remains confident in Deno’s capability to steer the iconic brand into its next phase:

“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 also expressed gratitude to outgoing CEO Julie Masino for her commitment and leadership, emphasizing her cooperation during the upcoming transition period.

Experienced Leadership at the Helm

David Deno enters the post with more than four decades of executive management and financial experience in the restaurant industry.

Most recently, Deno served as Chief Executive Officer of Bloomin’ Brands (parent company of Outback Steakhouse and Carrabba’s Italian Grill) from 2019 to 2024, having previously served as its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, where he helped steer the firm through its initial public offering. His background also includes executive stints at Best Buy, Yum! Brands, Pizza Hut, and Burger King, alongside active board seats at Krispy Kreme and Panera Brands.

Deno shared his vision for taking charge of the company:

“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. “I am honored to lead the Cracker Barrel team and look forward to unlocking the full potential of this remarkable brand.”

Deno added that his immediate mandate will focus on aligning guest satisfaction with sustainable financial performance:

“Together, we will stay focused on delivering delicious food and exceptional experiences for our guests, while driving profitable growth.”

                     CRACKER BARREL SUCCESSION TIMELINE
  
   August 10, 2026                       October 9, 2026
   │                                     │
   ├──► David Deno assumes CEO role      └──► Julie Masino completes
   │    & joins Board of Directors            advisory transition role
   │
   └──► Julie Masino steps down as CEO
        & resigns from Board

Turning the Page on a Transitional Period

Julie Masino, who stepped into the CEO role in 2023 after heading Taco Bell’s international division, led Cracker Barrel through a period of operational updates, menu overhauls, and strategic modernization initiatives.

While her tenure included significant efforts to boost store relevance and financial performance, it also saw intense public and shareholder engagement around brand identity updates and store remodels.

With Deno stepping in, Cracker Barrel aims to leverage his deep operational background to strengthen core restaurant and retail performance while preserving the distinct southern hospitality that defines its nationwide footprint.