Who is Brad’s wife?
And what did Cracker Barrel do to her?
That’s not the point here, apparently. Thousands upon thousands of people are giving the popular restaurant chain Cracker Barrel one heck of a headache after one man complained his wife was fired without reason.
The whole affair is an example of how social media campaigns can take on a life of their own. After all, we don’t even know if “Brad’s wife” is a real person, if she was actually fired from a Cracker Barrel restaurant, and, if so, what the reasons might be. For its part, Cracker Barrel has remained completely silent.
To get you up to speed, here’s what happened:
A man named Bradley Reid Byrd published this post on his Facebook page, claiming that his wife had been fired by the restaurant after 11 years of employment. And to make matters worse, it all happened on his birthday:
According to Byrd, his wife is named Nanette and worked at a local Cracker Barrel in Corydon, Indiana. However, neither the Cracker Barrel company nor the individual location have addressed claims that she either worked for the company or was fired.
But that hasn’t stopped an avalanche of people from jumping into the fray. Literally every Cracker Barrel across social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram has been swamped with angry comments and jokes about “Brad’s wife.”
Delightful recipe for an old southern favorite? Not until you tell us about Brad’s wife?
Critically acclaimed musician talks about her new song? Cool. But first, talk to us about Brad’s wife.
What’s on the menu for Sunday supper? How about an answer about Brad’s wife?
One local Florida newspaper tracked down Byrd, who said he still hasn’t heard a word from the company. In a follow-up post to his Facebook page, he wrote:
“Good morning. I still have not heard from ‘said’ company. I would like everyone to remember that some very good people work for them. The people at the Corydon location are our friends (like family) and are just trying to make a living. So if you want answers, please direct questions to the home office. They are the ones who fired my wife. Thanks to all for the continued support and I will keep you informed....#stillwaiting."
The uproar has even led to a Change.org petition with nearly 20,000 people (and counting) demanding “justice for Brad’s wife.” That vaguely written petition simply demands “answers” from Cracker Barrel, with a promise to deliver the signatures in person to its corporate offices:
“Brad was a kind and simple man. His wife, a loyal Cracker Barrel employee of 11 years. On a day that should have been full of cake and laughter, there was sorrow. It was Brad’s birthday ... and his wife, Nanette, was unfairly, unjustly, terminated from her employment. 11 years, Cracker Barrel. 11 long, hard years. It is for this reason, we demand answers.”
It’s hard to be sure how many people are taking this seriously. But the “Brad’s wife” movement has truly become … something. Is it a troll gone viral, an act of outrage over our continued economic challenges, a flashpoint to lash out at corporate culture, or a dynamic mix of all three?
But the most baffling thing of all has to be Cracker Barrel’s refusal to weigh in. Take a hint from the folks at McDonald’s or Wendy’s. Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away.
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Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.