Cracker Barrel Tops Estimates Amid CEO Transition

Cracker Barrel reported fourth-quarter fiscal results that surpassed Wall Street's expectations, with adjusted earnings at 99 cents per diluted share, significantly exceeding the projected 26 cents. Revenue for the quarter ended July 31, 2026, was $849.3 million, a 2.2% decrease year-over-year, yet it still managed to clear the analyst consensus of $845 million. GAAP net income rose to $12.2 million from $6.8 million in the prior-year quarter.

Adjusted EBITDA reached $62.1 million, an increase from $55.7 million in the previous year, benefiting from approximately $9.1 million in tariff refunds. This marks the first earnings report under new President and CEO David Deno. The company projects fiscal 2027 total revenue between $3.325 billion and $3.4 billion, with comparable-store restaurant sales growth anticipated at 3% to 5%. Cracker Barrel also reduced its total debt to $337.2 million during the quarter.

During the fiscal year, Cracker Barrel divested its Maple Street Biscuit Company subsidiary. The company ended the fiscal year operating 655 company-owned locations and declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, payable on November 12, 2026, to shareholders of record on October 16, 2026.