Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. Earnings Recaps
Q4 2026
Sep 25, 2026
Shares rose 4.5% after earnings, signaling a positive market reaction. Management pointed to improving guest-experience scores and turnover trends, while emphasizing continued performance improvement over recent quarters and outlining investments to upgrade dinner offerings.
Key takeaways
- In Q4, the Google Star rating increased 2% year over year and remained near an all-time high; food taste and service scores rose nearly 400 basis points, and food-temperature scores improved 500 basis points.
- Hourly turnover improved 450 basis points year over year, while manager turnover improved 85 basis points.
- Cracker Barrel Rewards had over 12.5 million members, accounting for over 40% of tracked sales.
- Dinner is management’s biggest food opportunity; planned upgrades include chicken, hamburger and steak. Management said the investments are embedded in guidance.
- Breakfast remains the strongest area for food scores and traffic trends, while the company plans retail-shop changes including simpler layouts, wider aisles and improved sight lines.
Q3 2026
Jun 11, 2026
Cracker Barrel shares surged 30% post-earnings as strong cost management, improved traffic and check, and solid operational execution clearly outperformed market expectations.
Key takeaways
- Q3 revenue reached $797 million with adjusted EBITDA of $40 million, driven by effective expense control.
- Guest experience metrics improved notably: Google star rating up 4%, food taste/service up 5%, and food temperature scores up 7% year over year.
- Managerial turnover improved 6%, outperforming industry trends, supporting operational stability.
- Loyalty program expanded to nearly 12 million members with over 40% of sales tracked to members, underpinning traffic growth.
- Menu innovation and value initiatives, including new offerings and barbell pricing, contributed to increased guest satisfaction and check.
Q2 2026
Mar 5, 2026
Cracker Barrel reported strong Q2 results with total sales of $874.8 million and adjusted EBITDA of $38.2 million, marking a solid step toward improved operational performance and guest engagement.
Key takeaways
- Achieved highest Google star rating since Q2 FY20 at 4.28, signaling improved guest satisfaction.
- Notable 10% year-over-year improvement in management turnover, contributing to operational stability.
- Successfully reintroduced popular menu items and introduced new offerings, positively impacting sales and guest preference.
- Launched effective value-driven promotions, resulting in a meaningful lift in guest traffic and preference.
- Continued focus on enhancing food quality and menu innovation, expected to further support profitability and guest satisfaction.