The well-known restaurant chain, Cracker Barrel, recently found itself in a bit of hot water over a controversial decoration in one of its Connecticut stores. A cord that resembled a noose was on display, and once this was brought to the company’s attention, immediate actions were taken. In a heartfelt apology, Cracker Barrel expressed gratitude towards the guests who pointed out the issue, stating that this opportunity allowed the company to swiftly address and rectify the oversight.
In an official statement, Cracker Barrel explained, “This was an antique electric soldering iron, featuring its original wrapped cord. This should never have been displayed in that manner. We have promptly removed the item from our East Windsor location.” The company was eager to thank the vigilant customer who helped identify the problem area.
The item was positioned in East Windsor, a quiet spot roughly 15 miles north of bustling downtown Hartford, but with the assistance of observant customers, it was quickly taken down during the week.
Despite the sincere apology issued, customer Tamra Hawkins, who first shared a video of the distressing decoration, wasn’t completely satisfied. “Although they’ve apologized, it just doesn’t sit right with me,” Hawkins mentioned during a Thursday conversation with NBC News. “They offered an excuse, rather than acknowledging the full weight of displaying something so insensitive, whether intentional or not.”
Hawkins recorded her video late on a Sunday and eagerly shared it soon afterward. Initially, as she was capturing footage, she did not notice the noose-like decoration. Upon reviewing her recording, she realized what she had missed and advised her viewers on where to spot the concerning item in her video footage.
Cracker Barrel made a new statement to NBC News: “We express our gratitude to the guest who brought this misstep to our attention, allowing us to act promptly.”
Going forward, to prevent a similar situation from occurring, Cracker Barrel is now collaborating with its teams to ensure that no such items are present in any other outlets. They emphasized their commitment to maintaining a store environment that is welcoming and reflects the diversity of the communities they proudly serve.
Ali Gostanian is a New York-based senior reporter with NBC News’ Social Newsgathering team.
In these challenging times, businesses like Cracker Barrel are placed under scrutiny, pressured to ensure their practices and representations are appropriate and inclusive. The swift action taken by Cracker Barrel to address the issue showcases their commitment to correcting mistakes and fostering a respectful and welcoming atmosphere for all their guests.