Julie Felss Masino has been named the new CEO and president of restaurant chain Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, effective August 7.
For the majority of her career, Masino has led various leadership roles at Starbucks Coffee Company serving as a CMO for its business in China and as a VP of strategy in the Americas and EMEA.
Most recently, she led Taco Bell’s franchise partners and teams helping the company open 800 new stores globally.
Of her appointment, Masino said the “confidence” the company’s board has shown by entrusting the brand to her is “humbling”.
“I’m excited to work with the more than 75,000 dedicated Cracker Barrel and Maple Street employees to drive the Company’s growth for years to come.”
Cracker Barrel’s chairman, William McCarten, welcomed Masino and said her track record as an innovator and a leader along with her strategic thinking and passion for growth will help Cracker Barrel remains a place where “people feel welcomed and cared”.
Current president and CEO, Sandra Cochran, described it a “privilege” to lead the company for the last 12 years and added she is “happy” to transfer her role to Masino.
