Cracker Barrel Faces Backlash Over Decorations with Noose-Like Resemblance
Connecticut’s Cracker Barrel restaurant found itself in hot water after a customer pointed out that certain decorations appeared to resemble “nooses” hanging from the ceiling. The restaurant chain has issued an apology in response to the incident.
Misunderstood Decor
Cracker Barrel clarified that the objects in question were not actual nooses but rather cords wrapped around decor pieces. Nonetheless, the restaurant acknowledged that it was “completely unacceptable” for its staff to have overlooked the potential resemblance to nooses during the decoration setup.
Alfonso Robinson tweeted pictures of the decorations, stating, “Someone at Cracker Barrel in East Windsor needs to explain why there are nooses on the ceiling.”
Cracker Barrel responded the same evening, explaining that the “noose” decoration was, in fact, a wrapped cord from an antique soldering iron displayed at the East Windsor restaurant. The restaurant assured the public that the item had been promptly removed.
Positive Dialogue with Activists
In the aftermath of the incident, activists visited the restaurant and engaged in what was described as a “positive” and “constructive” conversation with the restaurant manager, Mark Smith, according to Keren Prescott, the founder of PowerUp-Manchester.
Smith acknowledged that the cord resembling a noose had been part of the restaurant’s display for 22 years, and no concerns had been raised until now. He invited Prescott to examine the premises and gain a better understanding of the situation.
In an interview with the Journal Inquirer, Prescott commended Smith’s openness, stating, “At one point, the manager said, ‘You might notice things that I don’t,’ which I really appreciated because as a white man, he might not view certain things the same way a black person would.”
Calls for Review
On social media, numerous users urged Cracker Barrel to conduct a comprehensive review of decorations across all its locations or provide a timeline for the review process. In response, Cracker Barrel issued a statement to Fox News, emphasizing their commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
The company acknowledged that while some of their historic decor may resemble earlier times, their culture is firmly rooted in the present. Cracker Barrel expressed gratitude to the guest who brought the matter to their attention and promptly removed the item.
Cracker Barrel remains dedicated to maintaining a culture of hospitality that respects and welcomes all visitors, considering this incident a regrettable mistake that needed swift correction.