Cracker Barrel Posts Q3 EPS of $0.29, Lifts 2026 Guidance to $3.30B
CBRL•Cracker Barrel reported Q3 adjusted earnings of $0.29 per share, beating a $0.48 loss estimate, with total revenue of $797.4 million surpassing consensus of $776.6 million and net income rising to $42.8 million from $12.6 million. Management raised fiscal 2026 revenue guidance to $3.27–3.30 billion.
1. Q3 Financial Highlights
Cracker Barrel reported adjusted earnings of $0.29 per share in Q3, reversing an expected $0.48 loss, as total revenue reached $797.4 million versus consensus of $776.6 million. Comparable restaurant sales declined 2.6% and retail sales fell 1.8%, reflecting muted consumer demand.
2. Interchange Settlement and Net Income
Net income climbed to $42.8 million from $12.6 million in the prior year, bolstered by a $47.4 million benefit from an interchange fee litigation settlement. On an adjusted basis, the settlement-driven gain supported the strong bottom-line beat.
3. Guidance Raise and Operational Drivers
Management raised fiscal 2026 revenue guidance to $3.27–3.30 billion from prior estimates of $3.25 billion, citing tightened cost control, menu updates, and increased customer satisfaction. Google star ratings rose 4% to the highest quarterly level since 2018 as the company refreshed seasonal menus and reinforced its value proposition with a $15.85 average check.
