Velarion · Company Intelligence
Compensation Brief
Fiscal year 2023 · Filings through 2026-08-10

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (CBRL)

Fiscal year 2023 executive and director compensation, incentive-plan design, equity activity, and governance — every figure in this brief is traceable to its exact location in the company’s SEC filing — the document, the section, the page, and the table, linked directly.

$8,271,679
Sandra Cochran total, FY2023
43rd
CEO pay percentile vs peers
588:1
CEO-to-median pay ratio
79.48%
Say-on-pay support, latest vote
Companies that benchmark against CBRL
12 companies name CBRL as a compensation peer

Each company listed discloses CBRL in its own benchmarking peer group, as disclosed in each company's most recent proxy statement within the last two proxy seasons. Two companies are therefore absent by design: one that named CBRL in an earlier year and no longer does, and one whose own most recent disclosure is older than the last two seasons.

01

Summary Compensation Table — fiscal year 2023

Named executive officerSalaryBonusStock awardsOption awardsNon-equity incentivePension / NQDCAll otherTotal
Sandra Cochran$1,175,000$0$4,985,393$0$1,673,200$0$438,087$8,271,679
President and Chief Executive Officer
Craig Pommells510,00002,703,1400317,7300162,5563,693,427
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Cammie Spillyards-Schaefer400,00001,424,1620231,400083,2052,138,767
Senior Vice President, Restaurant and Retail Operations
Laura Daily430,00001,205,9740248,755094,0461,978,774
Senior Vice President, Retail
Richard Wolfson500,0000636,2880289,250063,0831,488,621
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

A dash means the company reported no figure in that column; 0 means it reported zero. Figures are as printed in the filing, without adjustment.

Three-year trend — total compensation per named executive

Named executive officerFY2023 totalFY2022 totalFY2021 totalΔ FY20222023
Sandra Cochran$8,271,679$6,964,276+1,307,403
Craig Pommells3,693,4271,234,612+2,458,815
Cammie Spillyards-Schaefer2,138,767
Laura Daily1,978,7741,294,757+684,017
Richard Wolfson1,488,6211,202,770+285,851

Prior-year totals as disclosed in the corresponding proxy; deltas are computed values with the derivation shown in the register.

02

Equity transactions since the proxy statement was filed

No insider equity transactions reported since the proxy statement.

04

Outstanding equity awards at fiscal year-end 2023

ExecutiveAwardShares unvestedExercise priceMarket value unvested
Cammie Spillyards-SchaeferRSU1,000$93,750
Sandra CochranRSU19,4481,823,250
Sandra CochranPSU16,8161,576,500
Richard WolfsonPSU3,081288,844
Richard WolfsonRSU2,403225,281
Laura DailyRSU2,208207,000
Cammie Spillyards-SchaeferPSU2,054192,563
Cammie Spillyards-SchaeferRSU2,054192,563
Richard WolfsonPSU2,039191,156
Laura DailyRSU1,646154,313
Laura DailyRSU97191,031
Cammie Spillyards-SchaeferPSU53049,688
Cammie Spillyards-SchaeferRSU35333,094
Cammie Spillyards-SchaeferRSU9,684907,875
Sandra CochranRSU11,2111,051,031
Laura DailyRSU7,263680,906
Craig PommellsRSU3,929368,344
Sandra CochranRSU24,1402,263,125
Sandra CochranPSU24,1402,263,125
Craig PommellsRSU19,3681,815,750
Craig PommellsRSU3,405319,219
Richard WolfsonRSU3,081288,844
Craig PommellsPSU3,405319,219
Laura DailyRSU2,500234,375
Laura DailyPSU1,456136,500
Laura DailyPSU2,208207,000
Craig PommellsRSU88182,594
Richard WolfsonRSU1,359127,406
Craig PommellsPSU1,322123,938
05

Incentive-plan design — the Compensation Discussion & Analysis

Our central compensation objective is to drive long-term total return to our shareholders and build a better company by implementing compensation programs that: Reward both company-wide and individual performance, Align our executives interests with those of our shareholders, Allow us to attract and retain talented executives, and Appropriately incentivize management without exposing the Company to undue levels of risk.

CEO STI target (% of salary)160%
CEO LTI target (% of salary)
Independent consultantFW Cook
Clawback policytrue
Anti-hedgingtrue
Anti-pledgingTrue
06

Say-on-pay — recent advisory votes

Meeting yearMeeting dateForAgainstAbstainSupportOutcome
20252025-11-2112,878,0113,325,141194,15679.48%Passed
20242024-11-2113,253,4992,987,575352,39081.6%Passed
20242024-11-2113,253,4992,987,575352,39081.6%Passed
20232023-11-1614,545,460675,649101,48295.56%Passed
20222022-11-1714,961,752472,512112,82696.94%Passed
20212021-11-1814,872,1102,521,499105,36385.5%Passed

Rows are labeled by annual-meeting year, with the meeting date beside each; the vote held in a given year acts on the prior fiscal year's compensation.

Say-on-pay — history, company's computation

Meeting yearMeeting dateApproval — company's computation
20252025-11-2179.48%a
20242024-11-2181.6%b
20242024-11-2181.6%c

a. Approved under the standard stated in the filing — “How will abstentions and broker non-votes be treated? Abstentions and broker non-votes will be treated as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present, but will not be counted as votes cast (i) either in favor of or against a particular proposal, or (ii) for the frequency with which we will hold future advisory votes on named executive officer compensation, unless such proposal is a "routine" matter under applicable rules.”.

b. Approved under the standard stated in the filing — “Accordingly, neither abstentions nor broker non-votes will have any legal effect on whether this proposal is approved.”.

c. Approved under the standard stated in the filing — “Accordingly, neither abstentions nor broker non-votes will have any legal effect on whether this proposal is approved.”.

Approval percentages are the company's own reported computations under its own stated standard, not recomputed by Velarion. Where a company does not state a standard, none is assumed.

07

CEO pay ratio

Ratio (CEO : median employee)588 : 1
CEO total compensation$8,271,679
Median employee compensation$14,062
08

Director compensation — fiscal year 2023

DirectorCash feesStock awardsOption awardsNon-equity incentiveAll otherTotal
William W. McCartenIndependent · Board Chair · Not standing for re-election$145,000$204,967$0$0$8,597$358,564
Andrea M. WeissIndependent · Audit · Not standing for re-election111,500139,961005,812269,134
Carl T. BerquistIndependent · Audit (Chair)120,000139,961005,812268,636
Coleman H. PetersonIndependent · Compensation (Chair) · Not standing for re-election115,000139,961005,812261,547
Meg G. CroftonIndependent · Compensation110,000139,961005,812255,813
Gisel RuizIndependent · Audit104,000139,961005,812249,773
Darryl L. WadeIndependent · Audit104,000139,961005,812249,773
Thomas H. BarrIndependent · Compensation102,500139,961005,812248,273
Gilbert R. DávilaIndependent · Compensation102,500139,961005,812248,273
Jody L. BilneyIndependent · Audit63,000139,961004,719207,680
William M. MoretonIndependent · Audit · Compensation · Partial-year service51,389134,167005,292190,848
Sandra B. CochranEmployee director000000
Julie MasinoEmployee director · Partial-year service · Newly elected000000
09

Board fee structure and ownership guideline

Annual cash retainer$75,000
Annual equity retainer$140,000
Per board meeting fee
Committee chair fees (audit / comp / nom-gov)
Stock ownership guideline6x base annual cash retainer ($450,000)
09b

Total cost of the board

ComponentFY2023
Cash retainers and fees$1,128,889
Equity awards (grant-date value)$1,598,783
All other compensation$65,104
Total cost of the board$2,792,776

Computed as the sum of the director compensation table rows above; inputs and formula shown in the register.

10

Disclosed peer group — fiscal year 2023

The compensation peer group as the company disclosed it in its own proxy — the reference set behind the percentile above.

10a

Peer reciprocity

Of the companies Cracker Barrel Old Country Store names as compensation peers, which name it back in their own disclosed peer groups. A peer set the market reciprocates reads differently from one selected in a single direction.

Reciprocity shown where the peer's own current proxy has been read — each mark is cited in the register to that peer's filing. A dash means the peer's current proxy was read and names no reciprocal group including Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.

10b

Chief executive pay against the peer group

Most recent fiscal-year chief executive compensation at each disclosed peer, taken from that company's own proxy statement.

RankCompanyFYChief executiveSalaryStock awardsOption awardsNon-equity incentiveTotal
1Darden Restaurants, Inc.2026Ricardo Cardenas$1,325,000$25,879,154$2,380,093$4,107,501$34,815,979
2Williams-Sonoma, Inc.2025Laura Alber1,600,00018,999,797012,500,00033,297,422
3Tractor Supply, Inc.2025Harry Lawton III1,344,23126,937,3832,311,7401,635,83732,277,194
4Brinker International, Inc.2025Kevin Hochman991,15426,499,87902,929,61530,465,768
5Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.2025Scott Boatwright1,095,3857,800,0025,200,0071,155,00015,455,736
6Texas Roadhouse, Inc.2025Gerald Morgan1,356,5388,410,9280909,41310,822,133
7Domino’s Pizza, Inc.2025Russell Weiner925,0005,803,3941,812,5111,850,00010,696,081
8Cheesecake Factory, Inc.2025David Overton1,030,0005,902,12401,445,6058,419,852
9Cracker Barrel Old Country Store2023Sandra Cochran1,175,0004,985,39301,673,2008,271,679
10Bloomin Brands, Inc.2025Michael Spanos1,000,0003,333,33701,155,0005,495,861
11Dine Brands Global, Inc.2025John Peyton1,000,0002,213,57702,158,5005,417,315
12Denny’s Corporation2023Kelli Valade905,9623,769,0670615,1485,363,088
13Jack-in-the-Box, Inc.2025Lance Tucker624,0383,636,0950310,5215,271,591
14The Wendy’s Company2025Kirk Tanner559,7264,019,990004,590,665
15Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.2025David Pace510,5771,567,00001,169,4943,252,947

Each peer's compensation is from its most recently filed proxy; fiscal years differ by company. Each peer's figures come from its own filings; the subject company is highlighted. Peers whose chief executive compensation is outside our coverage universe are stated as such, never left blank.

10c

Incentive design against the same peers

CompanyAnnual incentive payoutLong-term vehicle mixPSU measures include TSRCompensation consultant
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store89%PSU 50 · RSU 50NoFW Cook
Bloomin Brands, Inc.66%PSU 67 · RSU 33NoFW Cook
Brinker International, Inc.200%PSU 60 · RSU 40NoPearl Meyer & Partners
Cheesecake Factory, Inc.100.25%PSU 50 · RSU 50NoFW Cook
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.53%PSU 60 · Options 20 · RSU 20NoMeridian Compensation Partners, LLC
Darden Restaurants, Inc.155%PSU 50 · Options 25 · RSU 25Yes — Relative TSRPearl Meyer
Denny’s Corporation68.0%PSU 50 · RSU 50YesFW Cook
Dine Brands Global, Inc.91.96%Cash LTI 75 · RSU 25NoExequity LLP
Domino’s Pizza, Inc.100.0%PSU 55 · Options 25 · RSU 20NoMeridian Compensation Partners, LLC
Jack-in-the-Box, Inc.47.6%PSU 50 · RSU 50NoMeridian Compensation Partners
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.103.96%RSU 50 · PSU 25 · PPSU 25Yes — Relative TSRMeridian Compensation Partners, LLC
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.65%RSU 50 · PSU 50NoFW Cook
The Wendy’s Company39.6%PSU 60 · Options 25 · RSU 15NoFW Cook
Tractor Supply, Inc.80.8%PSU 50 · Options 25 · RSU 25NoPearl Meyer & Partners, LLC
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.157.9%PSU 63 · RSU 37NoPay Governance LLC

Read from each company's Compensation Discussion and Analysis: annual incentive payout as a percentage of target, the disclosed long-term vehicle mix, whether performance-share measures include a total shareholder return component, and the retained compensation consultant. “Not disclosed” appears only where the company's filing does not state the item.

11

Source register

Each figure's location is given both for the eye (section · page · table · row · column) and for a script (table/row/column index and exact character span in the filed document). Any figure can be independently confirmed against the source.

#SupportsDocumentFiledAccessionLocation in document
1Section 01, Sandra CochranDEF 14A2023-10-060001104659-23-107368Section “Summary Compensation Table” · page 39. As printed: 8,271,679. Filing ↗machine: t24 · r1 · c35 · span 567182–567191
2Section 01, Craig PommellsDEF 14A2023-10-060001104659-23-107368Section “Summary Compensation Table” · page 39. As printed: 3,693,427. Filing ↗machine: t24 · r4 · c35 · span 578415–578424
3Section 01, Cammie Spillyards-SchaeferDEF 14A2023-10-060001104659-23-107368Section “Summary Compensation Table” · page 39. As printed: 2,138,767. Filing ↗machine: t24 · r6 · c35 · span 586020–586029
4Section 01, Laura DailyDEF 14A2023-10-060001104659-23-107368Section “Summary Compensation Table” · page 39. As printed: 1,978,774. Filing ↗machine: t24 · r7 · c35 · span 590302–590311
5Section 01, Richard WolfsonDEF 14A2023-10-060001104659-23-107368Section “Summary Compensation Table” · page 39. As printed: 1,488,621. Filing ↗machine: t24 · r10 · c35 · span 601332–601341
6Section 07, pay ratioDEF 14A2023-10-060001104659-23-107368Section “CEO Pay Ratio”. As printed: 588 : 1. Filing ↗machine: span 1050309–1050318
7Section 08, William W. McCartenDEF 14A2023-10-060001104659-23-107368Section “Director Compensation”. As printed: 358,564. Filing ↗machine: t33 · r6 · c32 · span 1023847–1023854
8Section 08, Andrea M. WeissDEF 14A2023-10-060001104659-23-107368Section “Director Compensation”. As printed: 269,134. Filing ↗machine: t33 · r11 · c32 · span 1040311–1040318
9Section 08, Carl T. BerquistDEF 14A2023-10-060001104659-23-107368Section “Director Compensation”. As printed: 268,636. Filing ↗machine: t33 · r2 · c32 · span 1010700–1010707
10Section 08, Coleman H. PetersonDEF 14A2023-10-060001104659-23-107368Section “Director Compensation”. As printed: 261,547. Filing ↗machine: t33 · r8 · c32 · span 1030424–1030431
11Section 08, Meg G. CroftonDEF 14A2023-10-060001104659-23-107368Section “Director Compensation”. As printed: 255,813. Filing ↗machine: t33 · r4 · c32 · span 1017267–1017274
12Section 08, Gisel RuizDEF 14A2023-10-060001104659-23-107368Section “Director Compensation”. As printed: 249,773. Filing ↗machine: t33 · r9 · c32 · span 1033719–1033726
13Section 08, Darryl L. WadeDEF 14A2023-10-060001104659-23-107368Section “Director Compensation”. As printed: 249,773. Filing ↗machine: t33 · r10 · c32 · span 1037009–1037016
14Section 08, Thomas H. BarrDEF 14A2023-10-060001104659-23-107368Section “Director Compensation”. As printed: 248,273. Filing ↗machine: t33 · r1 · c32 · span 1007423–1007430
15Section 08, Gilbert R. DávilaDEF 14A2023-10-060001104659-23-107368Section “Director Compensation”. As printed: 248,273. Filing ↗machine: t33 · r5 · c32 · span 1020571–1020578
16Section 08, Jody L. BilneyDEF 14A2023-10-060001104659-23-107368Section “Director Compensation”. As printed: 207,680. Filing ↗machine: t33 · r3 · c32 · span 1013995–1014002
17Section 08, William M. MoretonDEF 14A2023-10-060001104659-23-107368Section “Director Compensation”. As printed: 190,848. Filing ↗machine: t33 · r7 · c32 · span 1027146–1027153
18Section 08, Sandra B. CochranDEF 14A2023-10-060001104659-23-107368Section “Director Compensation”. As printed: 0. Filing ↗
19Section 08, Julie MasinoDEF 14A2023-10-060001104659-23-107368Section “Director Compensation”. As printed: 0. Filing ↗
20Section 06, 2025 voteForm 8-K2025-11-240001104659-25-115164Item 5.07 · say-on-pay result. As reported: 79.48% (votes for as printed: 12,878,011). Filing ↗
21Section 06, 2024 voteForm 8-K2024-11-250001104659-24-122600Item 5.07 · say-on-pay result. As reported: 81.6% (votes for as printed: 13,253,499). Filing ↗
22Section 06, 2024 voteForm 8-K2024-11-250001104659-24-122600Item 5.07 · say-on-pay result. As reported: 81.6% (votes for as printed: 13,253,499). Filing ↗
23Section 01 trend, Δ column (computed)ComputedcomputedΔ = current-FY total − prior-FY total per named officer.machine: formula: Δ = FY(n) − FY(n−1)
24Section 09b board cost (computed)ComputedcomputedCash 1,128,889 + equity 1,598,783 + all other 65,104 = 2,792,776, summed across the director compensation table rows.machine: formula: Σ = 2,792,776
25Darden Restaurants, Inc., Section 10b CEO totalDEF 14A2026-08-100001193125-26-342023CEO total compensation as printed in Darden Restaurants, Inc.'s own proxy. As printed: 34,815,979. Filing ↗machine: r4 · c18 · span 1947073–1947083
26Williams-Sonoma, Inc., Section 10b CEO totalDEF 14A2026-05-060000719955-26-000109CEO total compensation as printed in Williams-Sonoma, Inc.'s own proxy. As printed: 33,297,422. Filing ↗machine: r2 · c24 · span 847173–847184
27Tractor Supply, Inc., Section 10b CEO totalDEF 14A2026-03-260001193125-26-126620CEO total compensation as printed in Tractor Supply, Inc.'s own proxy. As printed: 32,277,194. Filing ↗machine: t220 · r2 · c25 · span 849102–849112
28Brinker International, Inc., Section 10b CEO totalDEF 14A2025-10-030001193125-25-230105CEO total compensation as printed in Brinker International, Inc.'s own proxy. As printed: 30,465,768. Filing ↗machine: r2 · c39 · span 618636–618646
29Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., Section 10b CEO totalDEF 14A2026-04-280001140361-26-017294CEO total compensation as printed in Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.'s own proxy. As printed: 15,455,736. Filing ↗machine: r2 · c22 · span 1337747–1337758
30Texas Roadhouse, Inc., Section 10b CEO totalDEF 14A2026-04-100001104659-26-041771CEO total compensation as printed in Texas Roadhouse, Inc.'s own proxy. As printed: 10,822,133. Filing ↗machine: t125 · r3 · c14 · span 1328962–1328972
31Domino’s Pizza, Inc., Section 10b CEO totalDEF 14A2026-03-100001286681-26-000012CEO total compensation as printed in Domino’s Pizza, Inc.'s own proxy. As printed: 10,696,081. Filing ↗machine: t96 · r2 · c18 · span 1510987–1510997
32Cheesecake Factory, Inc., Section 10b CEO totalDEF 14A2026-04-100001104659-26-042016CEO total compensation as printed in Cheesecake Factory, Inc.'s own proxy. As printed: 8,419,852. Filing ↗machine: r1 · c64 · span 783270–783279
33Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (subject), Section 10b CEO totalDEF 14A2023-10-060001104659-23-107368CEO total compensation as printed in Cracker Barrel Old Country Store's own proxy. As printed: 8,271,679. Filing ↗machine: t24 · r1 · c35 · span 567182–567191
34Bloomin Brands, Inc., Section 10b CEO totalDEF 14A2026-03-030001546417-26-000015CEO total compensation as printed in Bloomin Brands, Inc.'s own proxy. As printed: 5,495,861. Filing ↗machine: span 923483–923492
35Dine Brands Global, Inc., Section 10b CEO totalDEF 14A2026-03-270001193125-26-127555CEO total compensation as printed in Dine Brands Global, Inc.'s own proxy. As printed: 5,417,315. Filing ↗machine: r4 · c31 · span 603550–603559
36Denny’s Corporation, Section 10b CEO totalDEF 14A0001193125-24-086559CEO total compensation as printed in Denny’s Corporation's own proxy. As printed: 5,363,088. Filing ↗machine: t156 · r3 · c27 · span 605566–605575
37Jack-in-the-Box, Inc., Section 10b CEO totalDEF 14A2026-01-210000807882-26-000009CEO total compensation as printed in Jack-in-the-Box, Inc.'s own proxy. As printed: 5,271,591. Filing ↗machine: span 1019487–1019496
38The Wendy’s Company, Section 10b CEO totalDEF 14A2026-04-020001193125-26-140220CEO total compensation as printed in The Wendy’s Company's own proxy. As printed: 4,590,665. Filing ↗machine: t191 · r15 · c39 · span 1049351–1049360
39Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., Section 10b CEO totalDEF 14A2026-03-260001104659-26-035198CEO total compensation as printed in Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.'s own proxy. As printed: 3,252,947. Filing ↗machine: r1 · c46 · span 824567–824576
40Section 10a, Tractor Supply, Inc. reciprocityDEF 14A0001193125-26-126620Tractor Supply, Inc.'s most recent proxy was read; its disclosed peer group does not include Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Filing ↗
41Section 10a, Brinker International, Inc. reciprocityDEF 14A0001193125-25-230105Brinker International, Inc. names Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in its own disclosed peer group (read from its most recent proxy). Filing ↗
42Section 10a, Dine Brands Global, Inc. reciprocityDEF 14A0001193125-26-127555Dine Brands Global, Inc. names Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in its own disclosed peer group (read from its most recent proxy). Filing ↗
43Section 10a, Bloomin Brands, Inc. reciprocityDEF 14A0001546417-26-000015Bloomin Brands, Inc. names Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in its own disclosed peer group (read from its most recent proxy). Filing ↗
44Section 10a, Domino’s Pizza, Inc. reciprocityDEF 14A0001286681-26-000012Domino’s Pizza, Inc.'s most recent proxy was read; its disclosed peer group does not include Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Filing ↗
45Section 10a, The Wendy’s Company reciprocityDEF 14A0001193125-26-140220The Wendy’s Company names Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in its own disclosed peer group (read from its most recent proxy). Filing ↗
46Section 10a, Texas Roadhouse, Inc. reciprocityDEF 14A0001104659-26-041771Texas Roadhouse, Inc. names Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in its own disclosed peer group (read from its most recent proxy). Filing ↗
47Section 10a, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. reciprocityDEF 14A0000719955-26-000109Williams-Sonoma, Inc.'s most recent proxy was read; its disclosed peer group does not include Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Filing ↗
48Section 10a, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. reciprocityDEF 14A0001140361-26-017294Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.'s most recent proxy was read; its disclosed peer group does not include Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Filing ↗
49Section 10a, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. reciprocityDEF 14A0001104659-26-035198Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. names Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in its own disclosed peer group (read from its most recent proxy). Filing ↗
50Section 10a, Darden Restaurants, Inc. reciprocityDEF 14A0000950170-25-101699Darden Restaurants, Inc.'s most recent proxy was read; its disclosed peer group does not include Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Filing ↗