Cracker Barrel requiring employees to only eat its food on work trips

(NewsNation) — Cracker Barrel has issued a strict new dining rule for its employees on the road for work trips: only eat at Cracker Barrel.

In an internal message obtained by the Wall Street Journal, the company said employees are expected to eat at its restaurants for “all or the majority of meals” when traveling, whenever it’s practical and depending on their location and schedule.

Employees will not be reimbursed for alcohol purchases made during business trips, the guidelines state.

“Exceptions for special occasions must be pre-approved by an E-Team member,” the company wrote.

Cracker Barrel has seen slow sales and restaurant traffic in recent months. The company recently faced backlash over its decision to change its logo and redesign its restaurants, before reversing course.