Cracker Barrel has been a staple for road trippers and comfort food fans for decades, but lately the chain has been making headlines for reasons beyond its biscuits and gravy.
Earlier this summer, the company rolled out a surprise rebrand with a new logo and updated menu.
The shift didn’t sit well with its most loyal customers. Many criticized the branding change online, saying it stripped away part of what made the restaurant feel homey.
CNBC reported that Cracker Barrel even had to issue an apology, reassuring guests that fan-favorite menu items like Uncle Herschel’s Breakfast weren’t going anywhere. Still, the old “country store” tagline was gone for good, and longtime fans felt the chain was moving away from its roots.
The backlash went beyond social media, too. Some servers reported customers withholding tips on the day of the rebrand, claiming they were upset with the company’s decision.
But even if the logo and menu are changing, diners still expect their meals to show up the same way they always have: warm, comforting, and reliable. And according to one TikTok creator, that isn’t always the case.
Strange discovery in a Cracker Barrel hash brown casserole
TikTok user @inktations_, who goes by Savvy, shared a video of a recent visit that left her confused. Her post has been viewed more than 57,400 times.
In the clip, she cuts into a hash brown casserole. She pulls out what looks like a plastic or paper-like sheet layered across the top. “Maybe don’t order the hash brown casserole from Cracker Barrel,” she wrote in the video’s text overlay.
She explained in the caption that her server did the right thing and comped the meal. However, the experience still had her asking: “Whatttt is thissss?”
What could it have been?
Viewers were quick to speculate in the comments. Some thought it was packaging material left behind from portioning.
“Look like plastic packaging, they might have it portioned out,” one person suggested.
Others pointed to how the food might be prepared.
“They are microwaving all of the food, instead of the fresh they used to have, the cat is out of the bag, ask any employee,” a commenter wrote.
Another chimed in more lightheartedly: “I’m that person still eating the fried okra in the back.”
“It is parchment paper! It is used to separate the sides when they are portioned,” a fourth writes, offering a different explanation. “Definitely not supposed to be in there when it’s served tho.”
@inkantations_ they did comp that plate but still like whatttt is thissss #crackerbarrel #ew #food #whatisthat #restaurant ♬ eww brother what is that – z’m
The Mary Sue has reached out to Savvy and Crackel Barrel for more information.
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