Lebanon, Tenn. — Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. has appointed David Deno to serve as its next chief executive officer and on the board of directors, both effective Aug. 10, 2026. He succeeds Julie Masino, who will step down as CEO and a member of the board on the same date. Masino will remain with the company in an advisory capacity until Oct. 9, 2026 to support a smooth transition. Deno joins the company from Bloomin’ Brands.
“Following a robust and thoughtful search process, we are pleased to welcome David as Cracker Barrel’s next CEO,” says Carl Berquist, independent chairman of the Cracker Barrel board. “He brings decades of experience across the restaurant and retail industries, with a strong track record of leading businesses through growth and a demonstrated commitment to operational excellence, guest experience and team member engagement. We are confident David is the right leader to continue building on the Cracker Barrel legacy, drive further positive momentum operationally and financially, and create sustainable value for our shareholders.”
Deno is an accomplished restaurant and retail industry executive with more than four decades of experience. Most recently, he served as chief executive officer of Bloomin’ Brands from 2019 to 2024, where he strengthened its financial foundation and expanded its international presence. Prior to being named CEO, he served as executive vice president and chief financial officer from 2012 to 2019, leading the company through its initial public offering. He joined Bloomin’ Brands from Best Buy where he served as president of Asia and CFO for the international division. Deno also spent 15 years in senior-level operations and financial positions at Yum! Brands and Pizza Hut (prior to its ownership by Yum! Brands). He began his career in the restaurant industry at Burger King Corporation.
Since 1969, when the first store opened in Lebanon, Tenn., Cracker Barrel has grown to approximately 660 company-owned Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations in 43 states. For more information, visit www.CrackerBarrel.com.
SOURCE: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.