Cracker Barrel Has Hilarious Response to Meme of White House Remodel

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• Cracker Barrel joked about its remodel backlash in response to a meme of an AI-generated White House add-on

• The post followed mixed reactions to the chain’s new “modern” look, replacing antique-filled Southern decor

• The post comes during White House renovations, most recently the ongoing demolition of the East Wing

Cracker Barrel is taking its viral remodel controversy in stride by jokingly advising on another major renovation underway.

On October 29, the Americana-themed food chain reposted a meme of a fictional White House that appeared to have an AI-generated Cracker Barrel, with its old model design, attached to an East Wing. In the image, the historic building appears much smaller than the massive Cracker Barrel, complete with three cars parked in front of the wooden porch.

“You probably don't want us anywhere near a remodel,” the restaurant commented on the post, originally shared by @ WallStreetMav .

The iconic wooden storefront sign, typically large enough to be seen from far distances such as off the highway, appears to have fragmented lettering in the store’s name — a telltale sign that it was AI-generated and not an actual potential mock-up.

The small quip follows its own remodel that wasn’t openly welcomed. Last year, Cracker Barrel announced that the company has a 3-year plan to grow the franchise, starting with   a remodel of the restaurants   and attached stores.

The response was swift, with many patrons of the store calling the remodel “bland” for removing many of the antiques and knick-knacks that decorated the farmhouse-style restaurants, and it gave each location its well-known Southern charm.

Others complimented the upgrade, adding that it gave the 56-year-old chain a “modern” look. The negative responses seemed to be much louder (and funnier) than the cheers; however, a spokesperson from Cracker Barrel told   PEOPLE   it’s quite the opposite.

“We are very pleased with the trajectory of our remodeled stores,” the spokesperson stated on Aug. 11. “Feedback from both guests and team members has been overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic about the refreshed dining and shopping experience.”

The following month, on Sept. 9, Cracker Barrel released a statement on its website titled, "We Hear You, Your Old Country Store is Here to Stay," speaking to the store's design and its   previously updated logo   that was changed back to its original after criticism from customers and President Donald Trump.

"We’re continuing to listen. Today, we’re suspending our remodels. If your restaurant hasn’t been remodeled, you don’t need to worry, it won’t be," read the statement. "We heard clearly that the modern remodel design does not reflect what you love about Cracker Barrel. We had tested this design in only four out of 660 locations, and we won’t continue with it.”

The clever joke comes just as the White House is thwarting criticism from its own renovation controversy. Since beginning his second presidential term, Trump has made   many changes to the White House , including the latest demolition of the East Wing.

Construction of the wing, which will include   a 90,000-square-foot addition   for a grand ballroom, began on Oct. 20. The massive project was first projected to cost $200 million, but was later adjusted to $300 million, funded by Meta, Google and Palantir. The East Wing, which previously housed the first lady’s offices and staff space and included a public reception area with the East Colonnade and the main entrance for visitors and functions.

A press release shared from the White House back in August, “The White House Ballroom will be substantially separated from the main building of the White House, but at the same time, its theme and architectural heritage will be almost identical.” The statement continued, “The site of the new ballroom will be where the small, heavily changed, and reconstructed East Wing currently sits.”