The beloved Southern-style restaurant chain Cracker Barrel is stirring up serious controversy with its recent interior makeover, and the internet is not having it.

In a bold move to modernize its aesthetic, Cracker Barrel has been gradually updating its restaurants from its signature eclectic, vintage Americana look to a sleeker, more contemporary farmhouse design. The changes include lighter gray paint, open bookcases replacing traditional lattice dividers, and updated lighting and seating.

While the company claims these renovations will create a brighter, more open space, many long-time customers are pushing back hard. Social media has been flooded with passionate comments mourning the loss of the restaurant’s classic charm. One Instagram commenter lamented, “I love the green walls and vintage Americana decor,” while another simply wrote “Brent, NO” in response to a promotional video.

The backlash isn’t just about aesthetics. Many customers see the remodel as an attempt to chase younger demographics at the expense of the restaurant’s nostalgic appeal. A TikToker humorously noted that even the uncomfortable wooden chairs were part of the “✨experience✨”.

Interestingly, not everyone is upset. A Cracker Barrel maintenance worker on Reddit defended the renovation, highlighting practical benefits like easier cleaning and dust reduction. “Try cleaning brown off a brown wall!” they explained, suggesting the lighter colors and simpler design actually improve workplace efficiency.

Cracker Barrel plans to remodel 25-30 of its roughly 660 restaurants by this summer, with the company reporting increased revenue since announcing the changes. However, the vocal online reaction suggests they might be risking their core customer base’s loyalty in pursuit of a trendier look.

As the restaurant chain navigates this delicate redesign, one thing is clear: when it comes to beloved institutions, change is never simple.