Cracker Barrel's fourth quarter results, reported Wednesday morning, exceeded Wall Street's expectations and sent the company's stock up over 3% following the market's opening. CEO David Deno, who took the reins just six weeks ago, said the company's improvements over the last several quarters have come from its focus on the "right areas and strong plan," crediting his predecessor Julie Felss Masino, who exited the chain in late July after three years that included a rebranding campaign and quick reversal following an outcry from longtime guests. CFO Craig Pommells said traffic was down 6.1%, while total revenue of $849.3 million, down 2.2% versus the prior year, and same-store sales, down 2.1%, exceeded expectations; average check increased 4.2%, inclusive of 4.4% pricing, and off-premises sales were 19% of total restaurant sales, a 100-basis-point increase versus last year. Adjusted EBITDA rose 11.4% to $62.1 million, including a tariff refund benefit of which $5.9 million was reinvested in the business for a net tariff benefit of $9.1 million. For the fiscal year 2027 outlook, Pommells expects total revenue of $3.325 billion to $3.4 billion, assuming same-store sales growth of approximately 3% to 5% and no new stores.
Cracker Barrel Old Country StoreQ4 results beat Wall Street expectations with adjusted EBITDA up 11.4% to $62.1 million and revenue/same-store sales exceeding estimates.
