Lebanon, Tennessee, United States- Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has issued a new internal dining policy that limits how employees can expense meals while traveling on company business, according to internal communications and media reports published this week. The policy, circulated to staff nationwide, outlines stricter guidelines on reimbursable meals during work trips as part of broader cost-control measures, the company said.
Under the updated guidance, employees traveling for meetings, training, or corporate assignments are directed to follow standardized per-meal spending limits and avoid unnecessary dining expenses. The memo also discourages frequent restaurant stops outside scheduled meals and emphasizes “reasonable and business-appropriate” spending, according to reports reviewed by multiple outlets.
Company officials said the change is intended to align travel practices with internal budgeting standards rather than alter wages or benefits. A spokesperson said the policy applies primarily to corporate and field employees on reimbursed travel and does not affect customer dining operations or in-store meal offerings.
The update follows increased scrutiny across the restaurant and retail sectors as companies respond to higher operating costs, including food inflation and travel expenses. Similar expense-control measures have been adopted by other large employers over the past year, according to workplace policy analysts.
Some employees expressed concern internally that the language could be interpreted narrowly, potentially limiting flexibility during long travel days or in higher-cost cities. The company said managers are expected to apply the policy with discretion and address exceptions when business needs require.
Cracker Barrel said it will continue to review travel and expense policies and provide clarifications to staff as needed. The company did not announce additional changes or a timeline for further updates.
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Hannah Price is a digital journalist who covers breaking news, global events, and trending stories with accuracy and speed. She has previously contributed to several online magazines and has built a reputation for verifying facts before publishing. Hannah believes in responsible reporting and aims to present stories in a way that readers can trust.
