Cracker Barrel is a popular restaurant chain in the United States known for its southern-style cuisine and Old Country Store vibe. However, the company had a reputation for being anti-LGBT due to past incidents of discrimination against employees and customers who identified as queer.
Cracker Barrel's Anti-LGBT Past
In the early 1990s, Cracker Barrel faced public backlash after firing several employees for being gay. The company claimed that their sexual orientation violated their "family values" policy, which caused outrage among the LGBT community and allies.
In 1991, the Southern Poverty Law Center sued Cracker Barrel on behalf of 14 employees who were terminated due to their sexual orientation. The lawsuit resulted in a settlement where Cracker Barrel agreed to pay $8.7 million in damages and change its employment policies to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Change in Leadership and Company Values
Since the lawsuit, Cracker Barrel has undergone a change in leadership and company values. Sandra Cochran became the CEO in 2011 and has been an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
The company has also implemented policies to support the LGBT community, such as offering benefits to same-sex partners and participating in Pride events. In 2019, Cracker Barrel donated $25,000 to the LGBT advocacy group, the Tennessee Equality Project.
Reversing the Anti-LGBT Image
Cracker Barrel's efforts to support the LGBT community have helped to reverse its anti-LGBT image. In 2018, the company received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index, which rates companies on their policies and practices related to LGBT employees.
The company has also received praise from LGBT advocates and allies for its support of the community. In 2020, Cracker Barrel was recognized by the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce as a "Best-of-the-Best" company for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Conclusion
Cracker Barrel's past actions towards the LGBT community were harmful and discriminatory. However, the company has made significant strides in changing its policies and values to become more inclusive and supportive.
While some may still hold a negative view of the company's past, it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the progress made towards creating a more accepting and welcoming environment for all.