17282: Roll Out The Barrel, Cracker.

 

FOX Business reported Cracker Barrel is facing more “Old Timer” backlash—although now from old-timer customers complaining the restaurant’s food is declining in quality.

 

So, Cracker Barrel didn’t need to update its logo; but rather, its menu.

 

Cracker Barrel diners are sounding the alarm; here’s what reportedly has them furious

 

Longtime patrons say meals no longer reflect traditional standards as company reports slower-than-expected turnaround

 

By Greg Wehner

 

Cracker Barrel is taking heat from loyal diners who say food quality has slipped – from chilled biscuits to reheated sides – deepening frustration that accelerated after the company scrapped its old logo and removed the iconic Uncle Herschel before reversing course, leaving many convinced the real decline is on the plate.

 

The Wall Street Journal reported that customers upset by recipe changes and cost-cutting efforts said the chain’s meals no longer reflect its traditional standards, a complaint that has added to the backlash from the abandoned branding overhaul.

 

Longtime patrons told the Journal the restaurant’s food has deteriorated over the years as favorites disappeared from the menu and kitchen shortcuts replaced earlier practices.

 

The Journal also reported that Cracker Barrel shifted from rolling biscuit dough as needed to baking larger batches and chilling them and moved some sides, including green beans, from stovetop kettles to ovens, with dishes reheated when necessary.

 

One of those customers, 73-year-old Craig Watkins of Northern California, told the Journal he has watched the chain’s quality fade and wants old staples and original maple syrup restored.

 

“I want pure syrup on pancakes, not that watered-down junk,” he said, adding that he brings his own syrup when he visits.

 

FOX Business has reached out to Cracker Barrel for comment.

 

The company told the Journal it is working to improve food quality and respond to guest feedback. Cracker Barrel said it has reinstated items such as Campfire Meals and Uncle Herschel’s Favorite Breakfast as part of that effort.

 

During an investor call Tuesday, the company said its turnaround is progressing more slowly than expected after the failed rebranding attempt.

 

Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino said first-quarter results “were below our expectations amid unique and ongoing headwinds” and that “our recovery will take time” as teams work to regain momentum.

 

“As you are all aware, the past few months have been difficult for Cracker Barrel and for our 70,000 team members around the country. And while many of our guests are enjoying our improved food and guest experience, we certainly have more work to do to regain the trust and confidence of others who have been slower to return,” Masino said. 

 

“This will take time, but we are executing a plan and are confident we will get back to the trajectory we saw in fiscal ’25.”

 

Cracker Barrel reported sales were down 5.7% compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2025. The company posted adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of $7.2 million, compared with $45.8 million in the same quarter a year earlier.

 

Masino also said the decline reflected roughly $14 million in additional advertising, marketing and conference expenses.

 

The branding controversy erupted in late August after Cracker Barrel dropped the “old timer” from its logo and planned interior changes to its restaurant-retail layout.

 

The company reversed those changes about a week later amid swift customer backlash.

 

FOX Business’ Eric Revell and Lindsay Kornick contributed to this report.

 

17147: More American Eagle Droppings.

 

FOX News reported President Donald J. Trump and Vice President JD Vance weighed in on the American Eagle “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Genes/Jeans” campaign.

 

Upon learning Sweeney is a registered Republican, Trump gushed, “Oh, now I love her ad. … I think her ad is fantastic.”

 

For further context, consider Trump’s view on immigrants delivered while campaigning in 2024: “How about allowing people to come to an open border, 13,000 of which were murderers. … Many of them murdered far more than one person, and they’re now happily living in the United States. … You know, now a murderer, I believe this, it’s in their genes. And we got a lot of bad genes in our country right now.” 

 

As for Vance, his American Eagle campaign critique included: “My political advice to the Democrats is continue to tell everybody who thinks Sydney Sweeney is attractive is a Nazi. That appears to be their actual strategy.”

 

For further context, Vance’s pre-VP criticism of Trump included calling the president an “idiot” and referring to him as “America’s Hitler.”

 

In short, Trump and Vance appear to be genetically predisposed to spewing bullshit.

 

Trump says he now ‘loves’ Sydney Sweeney American Eagle ad after learning she’s a registered Republican

 

President’s comments come after mixed social media reactions to ‘Great Jeans’ campaign

 

By Sophia Compton

 

President Trump on Sunday reacted positively upon learning actress Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, adding that he now finds her viral American Eagle ad campaign to be “fantastic.”

 

“She’s a registered Republican?” Trump said in response to a reporter’s question about his thoughts on her political affiliation. “Oh, now I love her ad.”

 

The President added, “You’d be surprised at how many people are Republicans. That’s what I wouldn’t have known, but I’m glad you told me that. If Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican, I think her ad is fantastic.”

 

The “Euphoria” actress’ voter registration has surfaced as she faces backlash for her controversial American Eagle jeans campaign. Since June 2024, she has been registered with the Republican Party of Florida in Monroe County, the New York Post reported, citing public voter records.

 

Earlier this week, American Eagle released their latest campaign with the actress, titled “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.” Following the launch, there was a mix of reactions on social media.

 

Some critics said the billboard’s play on “genes” versus “jeans” echoed eugenics-era slogans, though supporters argued it was a lighthearted marketing gimmick.

 

Some dubbed the campaign as “tone-deaf” due to the alleged racial undertones, while others have praised the actress for killing “woke” advertising.

 

In a promo video posted to the brand’s Instagram, the 27-year-old walked toward an AE billboard featuring her and the tagline “Sydney Sweeney Has Great Genes.” Sweeney crossed out “Genes” and replaced it with “Jeans” before walking away.

 

On Friday, Vice President JD Vance had some fun at the expense of the left over its wild response to the American Eagle ad campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney.

 

“My political advice to the Democrats is continue to tell everybody who thinks Sydney Sweeney is attractive is a Nazi. That appears to be their actual strategy,” Vance joked during Friday’s appearance on the “Ruthless” podcast.

 

Fox News Digital’s Janelle Ash and Joseph A. Wulfsohn contributed to this report.

16718: FOXy Ladies & Fools.

 

16706: Job Interviews Are Family Affairs.

 

According to the image depicted above, FOX News reported that employers say 19% of recent college graduates have brought a parent to their job interview. Havas CEO Yannick Bolloré sees nothing wrong with that.

 

13960: Lil News Item.

FOX News reported Lil Jon is prepared to become CEO for Papa John’s, replacing former CEO John Schnatter. It’s unlikely to happen, however, as the pizza company has already opted to promote current company president Steve Ritchie—although Lionel Richie would have been a better choice too. And either Lil Jon or Lionel Richie would have made a superior partner for Peyton Manning.

Lil Jon wants to be Papa John’s new CEO

By Taylor Rock

Papa John is out, Papa Lil Jon is in. The rapper has informally agreed to step in for former CEO John Schnatter, who stepped down from his position at the pizza chain just weeks after blaming poor sales on NFL protests. Although he already has a replacement — current president Steve Ritchie — Twitter thinks the latter is a better choice.

“Now that Papa John isn’t the CEO of Papa John’s, I think the only valid choice for the next CEO is Lil Jon,” Devin Smith tweeted, to which the Turn Down for What artist replied, “I WILL HUMBLY ACCEPT THE POSITION AS YOUR NEW CEO. I CAN START IMMEDIATELY (smiley face).”

Caroline Smith, a senior recruiter at Papa John’s International, responded to the tweet saying, “Still waiting on your resume! Is it a deal breaker if we won’t rename the company Papa Lil John’s?”

Others offered their stamps of approval, like Hayden H., who said, “Lil Jon is the only man I trust to lead Papa John’s out of these dark times,” and @notuhleeuh, who wrote, “Make Papa John’s great again.”

The official Twitter account for Papa John’s Pizza even commented on the ordeal by using one of the rapper’s signature exclamations: “OKAAAY!”

12010: Comic Culturally Clueless Clowns.

It’s so sad to see the Ferguson incident bringing out the culturally clueless in entertainment and media.

Former Hercules star Kevin Sorbo posted a Herculean asinine Facebook rant:

“Ferguson riots have very little to do with the shooting of the young man. … It is an excuse to be the losers these animals truly are. … It is a tipping point to frustration built up over years of not trying, but blaming everyone else, The Man, for their failures. It’s always someone else’s fault when you give up. … [The event is a] reminder to the African Americans (I always thought we just Americans. Oh, well.) that their President the voted in has only made things worse for them, not better.”

Um, shouldn’t this idiot be competing with Lou Ferrigno to appear at comic book conventions?

Meanwhile, FOX News host Andrea Tantaros called U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder a “race-baiter,” insisting that he runs the Department of Justice “like the Black Panthers would.” Um, would this dimwit even know a Black Panther from the Black Panther? She ought to be joining Sorbo at comic book conventions, perhaps playing the role of Xena.

Next, FOX News host Jeanine Pirro—aka Judge Jeanine—booted two Black lawyers off her program after they charged her with “distracting” from slain teen Michael Brown’s death by getting wrapped up over minor details in witness accounts. Here’s yet another potential comic book convention attraction: stage a wrestling match between Judge Jeanine and Judge Judy—refereed by Judge Dredd.

11999: C’MON WHITE MAN! Episode 36.

(MultiCultClassics credits ESPN’s C’MON MAN! for sparking this semi-regular blog series.)

Adweek reported Rooster CCO Gavin McInnes was asked to take a leave of absence after publishing a nasty perspective on transphobia. In most other U.S. industries, McInnes would have been fired—and that his employers didn’t show the intelligence to do so is another poor reflection on the cultural cluelessness in the advertising business. Granted, Rooster boasts being unlike typical ad agencies; however, what the place produces for clients definitely falls under the category of advertising.

McInnes was not exactly a big name in the field before this episode, so it’s tough to judge the man’s character and reputation. In addition to the transphobic post, he provided clueless commentary on the recent Anthony Cumia incident. Plus, he’s a FOX News commentator, which pretty much brands him as an ignorant, narcissistic asshole. But being an ignorant, narcissistic asshole is not grounds for termination—otherwise, Madison Avenue would experience a mass dismissal of epic proportion.

No, McInnes ought to be canned for a much simpler reason: his highly public opinions arguably create a hostile work environment. Imagine how a transgender or Black employee might feel having to report to a douchebag like McInnes. Hell, his FOX News rant on spring break might make women uncomfortable to be managed by him. McInnes symbolizes all the negative stereotypes of the discriminatory White men dominating the ad game. The stuff he does is just not cool. McInnes is to Madison Avenue what Donald Sterling was to the NBA—and he deserves a similar fate.

So this is directed at McInnes and the leaders of Rooster (most of whom appear to be of the Caucasian persuasion):

C’MON WHITE MAN!

::

Rooster CCO Gavin McInnes Asked to Take Leave of Absence

Following transphobic Thought Catalog essay, boycott

By Kristina Monllos

Gavin McInnes, chief creative officer of Rooster in New York, has been asked to take an indefinite leave of absence following the publication of a transphobic essay.

Published earlier this week on Thought Catalog, “Transphobia is Perfectly Natural” has at publication received 2,082 comments. It has also sparked a “Boycott Rooster” movement, with Tumblr and Twitter accounts asking followers to let Rooster clients—Vans, Red Bull, Fox Sports and others—know they will not support companies that work with McInnes.

“Gavin’s views are his own and do not represent those of the company or its members,” said a Rooster representative. “We are extremely disappointed with his actions and have asked that he take a leave of absence while we determine the most appropriate course of action.”

McInnes co-founded Rooster in 2010 as an agency that would make ads for people who hate ads. He has appeared in the shop’s work for Vans, most recently as the man who explains how to do absolutely everything.

Prior to that, he co-founded Vice Magazine. McInnes has made controversial comments publicly before, with essays on Thought Catalog and contributions to Fox News. Though, due to the tone of his work, some are unsure if it is meant to be taken seriously.

McInnes could not be reached for comment.

11642: Jesus, Megyn Kelly Is Ignorant.

From The New York Daily News…

Fox News’ Megyn Kelly declares Jesus and Santa were white

Kelly causes a stir with on-air response to Slate article on Santa Claus

By Corky Siemaszko / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Megyn Kelly is dreaming of a white Christmas.

The Fox News star has stepped into a holiday hornet’s nest by insisting on her show that both Jesus and Santa Claus were white — and that anybody who believes otherwise needs to get over it.

“For you kids watching at home,” Kelly said during her prime-time show on Wednesday, “Santa just is white. But this person is arguing that maybe we should also have a black Santa.”

Then Kelly, a Fox franchise player, dug herself in further by saying that Santa couldn’t be anything but Caucasian because he’s like Jesus.

“Just because it makes you feel uncomfortable doesn’t mean it has to change,” Kelly said. “You know, I mean, Jesus was a white man, too.”

Kelly was reacting to a Slate.com piece by Aisha Harris, who had made the case that maybe, as the U.S. becomes more diverse, it was time to “ditch Santa the old white man altogether, and embrace Penguin Claus.”

“People love penguins,” Harris wrote.

There was no immediate response from Kelly to the uproar, but a Fox News spokeswoman said she would address the controversy on her Friday broadcast. She was ill Thursday.

While it is true that both Jesus and Santa Claus have been depicted by European painters as white for centuries, many scholars say the historical figures probably weren’t the kind of white that would have passed muster with a segregated 1950s golf club.

Jesus was a Jew born in Bethlehem, a Semitic town in what is now the West Bank.

And the New Testament does not describe his appearance.

The historical St. Nicholas is believed to have been a Greek bishop living in what’s now Turkey, two countries where fair-skinned blondes like Kelly aren’t as common as they are in, say, Sweden.

The jolly, red-cheeked figure we’ve come to know as Santa Claus appears to be a melding of the Father Christmas figure from England and the Dutch Sinterklaas.

Sinterklaas’ sidekick, however, is Zwarte Piet, or Black Pete, a figure some complain is a relic from Holland’s racist past that should be retired.

9798: Eric Bolling’s Bollocks.

From The Huffington Post…

Fox News’ Eric Bolling Tells Maxine Waters To ‘Step Away From The Crack Pipe,’ Later Says He Was ‘Kidding’

Fox News host Eric Bolling shocked his co-hosts on “Fox and Friends” when he told Rep. Maxine Waters to “step away from the crack pipe” on Thursday. Bolling quickly said that he was “kidding.”

Waters stirred up anger on the right when video surfaced on Wednesday showing her calling House Republican leaders John Boehner and Eric Cantor “demons.”

On Thursday, Bolling and co-host Steve Doocy took turns bashing Waters for the remarks. But Bolling took things to another level.

“Congresswoman, you saw what happened to Whitney Houston,” he said. “Step away from the crack pipe, step away from the Xanax, step away from the Lorazepam because it’s going to get you in trouble.”

The other hosts immediately gasped, and Doocy muttered, “she’s not using drugs.”

“How else do you explain those comments?” Bolling said. When the show returned from a break, Bolling quickly backtracked. “I just want to say I was kidding about the crack pipe,” he said. “Just kidding.”

“Of course,” Doocy said.

Bolling has gotten himself in hot water for racially charged comments before. He had to apologize last July after saying that President Obama was bringing “hoodlums” into the “hizzouse” — the White House, that is.

9279: The College Experiment Fails.

From The Huffington Post…

Fox Sports Cancels ‘The College Experiment’ For ‘Clearly Inappropriate’ Segment Mocking Asian Students At USC

BOULDER, Colo.—Fox Sports canceled a show that aired a segment that mocked Asian students who were filmed on the University of Southern California campus.

Fox Sports Network spokesman Lou D’Ermilio said in a statement that last week’s segment was “clearly offensive” and that the show “The College Experiment” would be cancelled effective immediately.

D’Ermilio says the video was removed as soon as the network became aware of it.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

Fox Sports is apologizing for what it calls an “inappropriate” segment filmed on the University of Southern California campus that critics say mocks Asian students.

In the statement, network spokesman Lou D’Ermilio addresses the apology to USC President Max Nikias.

“We sincerely apologize to President Nikias and the entire USC community for the production and posting of the video,” D’Ermilio wrote. “The context was clearly inappropriate and the video was removed as soon as we became aware of it. We will review our editorial process to determine where the breakdown occurred, and we will take steps to ensure something like this never happens again.”

University of Colorado ethnic studies professor Darryl Maeda, who saw the segment, told the newspaper that the piece relies on stereotypes of Asians as “perpetual foreigners.” The interviewer appeared to seek students for whom English is not their first language, he said.

“This is demeaning to millions of Asian Americans who have put down deep roots in the United States, claim English as their language and root vigorously for their favorite sports teams,” Maeda said.

CU’s football team hosts the USC Trojans on Nov. 4. CU and Utah entered the Pac-12 in July.

8965: Crude Commentary.

A Manic Monday MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• Exxon is scrambling to deal with its latest oil spill in Montana, which has dumped crude into Yellowstone River. Um, isn’t the oil company still cleaning up the Exxon Valdez mess created in 1989? The folks at BP must be happy to see a rival taking the spotlight off the Deepwater Horizon disaster, allowing them to launch a new advertising campaign. Oily is the perfect descriptor for all of these assholes.

• A new survey from Consumer Reports named Mickey D’s the worst fast-food burger joint in America. Others making the lousiest list included KFC, Taco Bell, Domino’s Pizza and Quiznos. Yet the Golden Arches continues to enjoy billions in sales despite the undisputed awfulness. It’s either an indication of consumers’ willingness to accept mediocrity or the evil persuasive powers of Ronald McDonald.

• Hackers commandeered the Twitter account of FOX News, sending out fake tweets about President Obama. “Hackers sent out several malicious and false tweets that President Obama had been assassinated,” said the media outlet. “The hacking is being investigated, and FoxNews.com regrets any distress the false tweets may have created.” Actually, FOX News usually creates more distress with its real tweets and perspectives delivered by the hacks running the network.

8684: Glenn Beck Is Full Of Crap.

In a recent interview, transitioning FOX News personality Glenn Beck told his critics, “I am so tempted to say this to all those who say ‘celebrate’: You are going to pray for the days of 5 P.M. … I’m saying, ‘Look out … look out.’”

Beck later clarified his warning by declaring, “One year from now, you on the left will be crapping yourself so much, you haven’t crapped in your pants as much as you will in a year from now. … You’ll crap yourself more than when you were a baby.”

OK, but for now, it looks like FOX News has done the dumping—and Beck is the pile of excrement.

8472: Bill O’Reilly MVP—Most Vulgar Prick.

The Super Bowl featured a much-anticipated showdown between Bill O’Reilly and President Barack Obama. The live event displayed quite clearly that O’Reilly is a rude, offensive, loud-mouthed, arrogant prick. If the interview had been an NFL game, the man would be recognized as a dirty player. Somebody hand O’Reilly a falafel loofah and send his ass to the showers.