Cracker Barrel names David Deno as next CEO, effective Aug. 10

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBRL) announced that David Deno will become its next Chief Executive Officer on August 10, 2026, succeeding Julie Masino, who will step down as CEO and board member on the same date.

Masino will remain with the company in an advisory capacity through October 9, 2026, to support the leadership transition.

Deno also will join the company's board of directors effective August 10. He most recently served as CEO of Bloomin' Brands (Nasdaq: BLMN) from 2019 to 2024. Prior to that role, he served as Bloomin' Brands' Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 2012 to 2019, leading the company through its initial public offering.

Before joining Bloomin' Brands, Deno worked at Best Buy as President of Asia and CFO of its International Division. He also spent 15 years in senior operations and financial roles at Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM) and Pizza Hut, including serving as CFO and COO of Yum! Brands and CFO of Pizza Hut. He began his career at Burger King Corporation. Deno currently serves on the boards of Krispy Kreme, Inc. and Panera Brands.

Independent Chairman Carl Berquist said the board conducted "a robust and thoughtful search process" before selecting Deno, citing his experience across the restaurant and retail industries.

Cracker Barrel operates approximately 660 company-owned locations across 43 states.

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