NEWARK, NJ / ACCESS Newswire / September 15, 2025 / Judah Spinner, Chief Investment Officer at Blackbird Financial, has weighed in on the recent turbulence surrounding Cracker Barrel. According to Spinner, the iconic brand does not need a radical overhaul. It just needs to do what it once did best: serve great food in a clean, welcoming environment.

"In my opinion, what Cracker Barrel really needs is to rewind the clock about ten years," says Judah Spinner of Blackbird Financial. "Back then, they had a formula that worked: hearty meals made fresh, spotless dining areas, and a homey vibe that made people feel like they were eating at their grandma's house."

Spinner points out that recent attempts to modernize the brand have missed the mark. "Frankly, no one is coming to Cracker Barrel for a cutting-edge dining experience. They are coming for comfort food and a warm, familiar atmosphere. That means getting back to scratch cooking, hiring enough staff to keep the place spotless, and serving everything in a timely, friendly manner," Spinner emphasizes.

But Judah Spinner also highlights a crucial insight: Even younger customers are not seeking a modern, trendy experience when they step into a Cracker Barrel. "If young people wanted a modern experience, they'd pick one of a hundred other places," Spinner explains. "They come to Cracker Barrel because it's a slice of nostalgia, a step back in time, and that's exactly what they appreciate."

The loss of relevance, Spinner argues, has nothing to do with the atmosphere being outdated. It has everything to do with slipping standards. "No one wants to go to a restaurant where the tables are sticky, the food is half-cooked, and the service is terrible," Judah Spinner says bluntly. "It is not that the old-time feel is the problem - it's actually a major draw. The problem is that people just do not want a bad dining experience, period."

Spinner is direct about the solution. "Julie Massino might think that people aren't interested in that cozy, down-home atmosphere anymore, but frankly, she's missing the point," Spinner states. "All they need to do is bring back the quality that made them a household name. People of all ages will show up if the food is great, the place is clean, and the service is friendly. It's really that simple."

Spinner doesn't mince words when it comes to Cracker Barrel's leadership. He points directly at Julie Massino, the CEO who took the helm in 2023, as the architect of the current decline. "If Massino stays the course with her misguided strategy, she's going to dismantle

everything that Cracker Barrel has built since 1969," Spinner warns. "This isn't just a minor misstep; it's a complete detour from the essence of the brand."

In Judah Spinner's view, the board needs to act swiftly if they have any sense at all. "They should fire Massino immediately and bring in someone who understands that the future of Cracker Barrel lies in its past strengths," he asserts. "They need a leader with the common sense to see that you don't fix what was never broken. You just need to restore it to its former glory."

In essence, Judah Spinner of Blackbird Financial is calling for a return to the heart and soul of the Cracker Barrel experience. Instead of chasing trends, the brand just needs to get its basics right - great food, great service, and a welcoming environment that feels like home.

Media Contact:

Investor Relations
BlackBird Financial LP
info@blackbirdfinancial.com

SOURCE: Judah Spinner