'We Respect All Individuals Right to Express Their Beliefs'; Cracker Barrel Apologizes and Returns Duck Dynasty Items to Stores After Christians Protest
After removing select 'Duck Dynasty' products from their stores out of concern the products might offend some customers Friday, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store backtracked and returned the products to their stores Sunday after Christians peppered them with protest and threats of a boycott.
"When we made the decision to remove and evaluate certain Duck Dynasty items, we offended many of our loyal customers. Our intent was to avoid offending, but that's just what we've done," noted the company in a post on its Facebook page Sunday.
"You told us we made a mistake. And, you weren't shy about it. You wrote, you called and you took to social media to express your thoughts and feelings. You flat out told us we were wrong. We listened," the company continued then announced that Duck Dynasty products will be returned to its stores while apologizing for offending the shows conservative fans.
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"Today, we are putting all our Duck Dynasty products back in our stores. And, we apologize for offending you. We respect all individuals right to express their beliefs. We certainly did not mean to have anyone think different. We sincerely hope you will continue to be part of our Cracker Barrel family," ended the post.
Some Christians reacted by applauding the company for admitting the error in their judgement.
"I don't give a rip about Duck Dynasty, but I am definitely impressed by a corporation that can simply admit a mistake. Very refreshing. If only our president could follow your example," wrote Dean Dyer.
"Thank You Cracker Barrel Glad to see ya listen to your customers & care about their feelings. It's a shame more business don't do this," wrote Delores Storms.
Others like Patti Linker, however, said the company opened up a can of worms that makes it difficult to see the company in the same light.
"Cracker Barrel. Was it the almighty dollar that changed your mind? Because now that you opened this can of worms, most Christians want to know exactly where you stand on the issue of homosexuality," wrote Linker.
"You really should not have done anything to begin with and you wouldn't be in this mess. I truly enjoy shopping and eating in your store, but will probably not be back. I don't really respect corporate fence riders. You either believe something or you don't, and we didn't really feel it was our personal business to know those beliefs until you brought it [to] the forefront. I think you have just made your business a wee bit smaller," she ended.
