Cracker Barrel Board Member's DEI Background Draws Conservative Criticism Amid Logo Redesign Backlash

Cracker Barrel board member Gilbert Davila is under scrutiny from conservative activists due to his extensive background in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consulting. This criticism coincides with backlash over the company's recent logo redesign and interior updates.

Davila, 61, joined Cracker Barrel's board in July 2020 and is among its top individual shareholders. He has served as president and CEO of DMI Consulting since 2010, a firm specializing in multicultural marketing and DEI strategies. His previous roles include vice president positions at The Walt Disney Company, Sears & Roebuck Company, and Coca-Cola USA.

Conservative activist Robby Starbuck highlighted Davila's DEI-focused career, suggesting it influenced Cracker Barrel's recent changes. Starbuck stated, "People like him are behind the woke advertising push that we've seen in recent years."

The company's new logo replaces the traditional image of a man leaning on a barrel with a simplified design featuring the brand name against a yellow barrel-shaped background. Additionally, restaurant interiors have been modernized, moving away from the previous antique-filled aesthetic. These changes have sparked criticism from some consumers and conservative commentators, who view them as a departure from the brand's traditional values.

Cracker Barrel has not publicly responded to the specific criticisms regarding Davila's background. However, the company has emphasized that its core values remain unchanged despite the recent rebranding efforts.