A Cracker Barrel board member is facing scrutiny from conservative critics following the restaurant chain’s controversial rebrand and revelations about the company’s diversity initiatives.
Gilbert Davila, 61, has become the focal point of criticism after joining Cracker Barrel’s board of directors in July 2020 during a period of significant corporate restructuring.
The board member also holds a position as one of the company’s largest individual shareholders, giving him considerable influence over strategic decisions and corporate direction.
His appointment to the board came at a time when many American companies were reassessing their brand identities and corporate policies.
Conservative activist Robby Starbuck highlighted Davila’s background in a recent video, arguing that the board member’s professional history explains the company’s recent strategic changes.
Starbuck characterized these modifications as part of an extended effort to appeal to progressive audiences while distancing the brand from its traditional customer base.
“What qualified him for this board seat?” Starbuck questioned in his video critique.
“Well, you see, he’s owned a DEI consulting and strategy firm for 15 years that focuses on pushing DEI and DEI advertising.”
Davila currently serves as president and CEO of DMI Consulting, a position he has held since 2010.
DMI Consulting operates as “a leading multicultural marketing, diversity & inclusion and strategy firm in the United States,” according to his profile on Cracker Barrel’s official website.
The restaurant chain recently unveiled significant changes to its brand identity and physical locations that have generated substantial customer backlash.
The company replaced its traditional logo, which featured an image of a man leaning against a barrel, with a simplified design displaying only the restaurant’s name in black text positioned over a yellow barrel-shaped background.
Interior redesigns have also transformed the dining experience at Cracker Barrel locations across the country, Resist the Mainstream previously reported.
The chain removed its characteristic rustic American decor and artifacts, replacing them with contemporary modernist design elements that depart dramatically from the company’s historical aesthetic.
Consumer reactions to these changes have been overwhelmingly negative, with many customers expressing disappointment over the abandonment of the restaurant’s traditional imagery.
The modifications have sparked widespread criticism on social media platforms, where longtime patrons have voiced concerns about the company’s new direction.
Starbuck argued these visible changes represent deeper organizational shifts within the company that extend far beyond superficial branding decisions.
His 15-minute video documented Cracker Barrel’s participation in LGBTQ pride events and highlighted the company’s implementation of diversity, equity and inclusion policies in its hiring practices.
The activist presented these initiatives as evidence of a systematic transformation of the company’s values and priorities.
Davila’s professional profile emphasizes his expertise in multicultural market strategies.
His LinkedIn page states that he “is widely recognized… for his multicultural market knowledge and his proven track record on how to best embed a multicultural perspective into a corporation’s entire operation.”
“People like him are behind the woke advertising push that we’ve seen in recent years,” Starbuck stated regarding Davila’s influence.
“And he was also one of the people responsible for DEI at Disney.”
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Before establishing DMI Consulting, Davila held executive positions at major corporations where he specialized in diversity and multicultural marketing initiatives.
The New York Post reported that he worked at The Walt Disney Company from 2003 to 2010, serving as vice president of global diversity and multicultural market development during a period when the entertainment giant was expanding its focus on inclusive content and marketing strategies.
His corporate experience extends to other prominent companies as well, spanning multiple industries and decades of multicultural marketing expertise.
Davila previously served as vice president of multicultural management for Sears & Roebuck Company and worked as a marketing director for Coca-Cola USA, building a resume centered on diversity and inclusion initiatives across major American corporations.
Industry involvement has also characterized Davila’s career trajectory throughout his professional life.
His biography indicates membership in the Association of National Advertisers, where he co-founded and directed the organization’s Alliance for Inclusive and Multicultural Marketing.
This position has given him influence over advertising industry standards and practices regarding diversity and inclusion messaging.
Starbuck emphasized that public reaction to Cracker Barrel’s logo modification reflects broader cultural concerns among conservative Americans.
He suggested the controversy extends beyond simple design preferences to encompass questions about cultural representation and corporate values in an increasingly polarized political environment.
The activist framed the debate as part of a larger struggle over American cultural identity and corporate responsibility.
The timing of these changes has also drawn attention, occurring during a period when many corporations are reevaluating their brand messaging and visual identity.
“The American people are sick of having our culture and heritage stripped from us,” Starbuck told Fox News Digital during a recent interview.
The post Cracker Barrel Board Member’s Disturbing Background Triggers Even More Backlash Amid American Staple’s Rebrand, MAGA Activist’s Probe appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: Jordyn M.
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