In a surprising move, Cracker Barrel, long known for its traditional values, sparked controversy by celebrating Pride Month in June 2023. The iconic restaurant, associated with country cuisine and Christian values, posted an image of a rainbow-painted rocking chair with a caption expressing excitement for Pride Month. This led to an outpouring of anger on social media, reminiscent of the Bud Light backlash. Disgruntled customers vowed to boycott, while some urged restraint.

The backlash extended to Instagram, where patrons criticized Cracker Barrel for losing its family-friendly appeal. YouTube personality Auron MacIntyre added fuel, tweeting, “New Bud Light just dropped,” along with the controversial post. The uproar suggested that Cracker Barrel, like Chick-fil-A, was seen as a refuge from woke ideology. The Texas Family Project, a conservative group, lamented the restaurant’s shift, sharing damning screenshots of Cracker Barrel’s statements on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Pride.

Cracker Barrel’s long-time supporters felt disillusioned as the restaurant embraced progressive ideals, potentially jeopardizing its conservative clientele. Time will reveal the impact of this decision on the once-cherished institution.