A Cracker Barrel restaurant in Connecticut has come under scrutiny after a customer noticed that some of its ceiling decorations appeared to resemble “nooses.” The restaurant chain has since apologized and removed the items.
Decorations Spark Backlash
Cracker Barrel clarified that the pieces were not actual nooses, but wrapped cords that were part of the store’s long-standing antique décor. Still, the company admitted that it was “completely unacceptable” for staff to overlook how the cords might be misinterpreted.
“Someone at Cracker Barrel in East Windsor needs to explain why there are nooses on the ceiling…” tweeted Alfonso Robinson, who also shared photos of the display.
Cracker Barrel replied publicly the same evening, explaining that the cord was actually part of an old soldering iron and had been incorporated into the restaurant’s vintage collection. The chain said the item had been removed immediately.
Productive Discussion With Community Leaders
After the social media uproar, local activists visited the East Windsor location and met with restaurant manager Mark Smith for what they described as a “positive” and “constructive” conversation. Keren Prescott, founder of PowerUp-Manchester, shared that Smith was open and receptive during their walk-through of the décor.
According to Prescott, Smith acknowledged that the cord had been on display for 22 years without anyone raising concerns. He encouraged her to point out anything that might be problematic.
“At one point he said, ‘You might notice things that I don’t,’” Prescott told the Journal Inquirer, adding that she appreciated his willingness to recognize that different perspectives matter, especially when it comes to racial sensitivity.
Push for a Company-Wide Review
Many users online have urged Cracker Barrel to audit decorations in all locations or at least provide a timeline for doing so.
Cracker Barrel later issued a statement to Fox News, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests. The company explained that while its restaurants incorporate historic memorabilia, its values and culture reflect present-day standards of hospitality.
They thanked the guest who identified the issue and reiterated that the questionable item had been promptly removed.
The chain emphasized that it strives to create an atmosphere where everyone feels respected and at home, and acknowledged that this incident was an oversight that required correction.