Duke’s Mayo has teamed up with Hardee’s to unveil a limited-time menu item featuring their Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce, starting March 5, 2025. This exciting collaboration brings to life the Hand-Breaded Chicken Tender Platters, served with Duke’s distinctive sweet-and-spicy BBQ sauce, along with sides of fries, coleslaw, garlic toast, and a beverage.
As a bonus, customers who download Hardee’s My Rewards app can enjoy a free chicken sandwich or a set of chicken tenders when they make a qualifying purchase within 30 days of signing up. This promotional effort coincides with the launch of Hardee’s Strawberry Lemon Biscuit, which will be available until April 29, appealing to seasonal cravings. This partnership marks Duke’s Mayo’s inaugural collaboration with a fast-food chain, showcasing their focus on the adaptable sauce trend in the industry.
Exploring the Duke’s Mayo and Hardee’s Collaboration
The new Hand-Breaded Chicken Tender Platter at Hardee’s comes with the option of Duke’s Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce, which is a game changer for dipping. The chicken tenders, made from all-white meat and marinated in buttermilk before being lightly breaded, promise a delightful crunch and flavor.
Duke’s Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is crafted with a blend of mustard, vinegar, and spices to create a balanced sweet and spicy flavor. Rebecca Lupesco, the marketing director for Duke’s Mayo, described the sauce as “bold” and “ideal for dipping” in a press release dated March 5, 2025:
“There’s no better match for Hardee’s Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders than Duke’s Carolina Gold BBQ, which was made for dipping. It’s bold, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet – this is how you do BBQ flavor right.”
This exclusive partnership is accessible at participating Hardee’s locations nationwide; however, customers are encouraged to check the Hardee’s website or app for specific availability and pricing in their area.
Cultural Significance of Duke’s Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce
Duke’s Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce is characterized by its mustard base and absence of added sugars, underscoring the brand’s dedication to tangy, egg-centric recipes. Traditionally celebrated in Southern markets of the United States, the debut of this sauce on Hardee’s menu is designed to attract fans of distinctive regional flavors.
Sarah Breymaier, Hardee’s VP of Brand Marketing, highlighted that this collaboration meets the rising consumer demand for more customizable sauce choices, especially during the bustling basketball season. She stated:
“We have seen dipping sauces grow in popularity and guests are seeking out more flavors and customization to fit their tastes with custom sauce options – Hardee’s is answering that call with this exciting offer.”
Engaging Customers through Hardee’s My Rewards App
New members who join the My Rewards app can take advantage of a complimentary Hand-Breaded Chicken Sandwich or 5-Piece Chicken Tenders with any purchase. This offer is redeemable for 30 days after sign-up and must be claimed through the app. Existing app members will benefit from personalized deals, although the Duke’s sauce promotion is open to all patrons at participating locations.
Introducing the New Strawberry Lemon Biscuit
In addition to the collaboration with Duke’s Mayo, Hardee’s has also rolled out a Strawberry Lemon Biscuit as of March 5. This delightful treat features a combination of strawberry and lemon flavors drizzled with icing, complementing the season with choices like Maple and Blueberry Biscuits. This seasonal offering will be available until April 29, perfectly timed with the NCAA basketball tournament.
The partnership between Hardee’s and Duke’s Mayo innovatively merges regional flavor with the convenience of fast food, capitalizing on Duke’s strong following. The limited-time offerings, coupled with app promotions, aim to drive increased customer traffic, particularly during high-traffic sports seasons. The popularity and customer response during this March through April period will determine if this collaboration becomes a recurring feature on the menu.