Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has named David Deno as its next chief executive officer, marking a leadership change at the restaurant and retail chain. The company said Deno will replace Julie Masino, who is stepping down as CEO and leaving the board.
According to the announcement, David Deno is set to take over on August 10. His appointment brings in an executive with experience leading a major restaurant company, after serving as head of Bloomin' Brands from 2019 to 2024.
The move places a seasoned industry leader at the top of Cracker Barrel as the company enters its next phase. While the announcement focused on the transition itself, the change is notable because it also includes Julie Masino's departure from both the chief executive role and the board.
For Cracker Barrel, the hiring of David Deno signals a fresh leadership handoff at a well-known dining brand. Investors and customers will now be watching how the company manages the transition when Deno formally begins the CEO role in August.