Charlotte’s Summer Sensation: Duke’s Hot Tomato Challenge Returns!
Charlotte foodies, get ready! The much-anticipated Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer competition is back, showcasing the best of local summer tomatoes paired with the iconic Duke’s Mayo. From July 17-27, 46 area restaurants will battle for the coveted Golden Tomato trophy, and your vote decides the winner.
Discover Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer
This vibrant culinary event challenges chefs across 10 cities, including Charlotte, to create unique dishes highlighting fresh summer tomatoes and the distinct flavor of Duke’s Mayonnaise. It’s a celebration of seasonal ingredients and local talent, offering diners a chance to taste innovative creations.
The Challenge & How to Vote
Participating is simple and delicious! Visit any of the 46 competing Charlotte-area restaurants, try their special Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer dish, and then cast your vote online for your favorite. Beyond the Golden Tomato trophy, you could also win cash prizes via Venmo by posting a picture of your meal on social media, tagging both Duke’s Mayonnaise and the restaurant. Duke’s will be selecting random winners throughout the 10-day event.
Last Year’s Triumphs and This Year’s Heats
The competition is always fierce! In 2023, Concord’s Burger Box took home the Golden Tomato for their irresistible Box BLT. Last year, Moo & Brew snatched victory by a mere 16 votes. Both previous champions are back this year, eager to defend their titles with new, exciting dishes.
Champion Spotlight: What to Expect This Year
| Restaurant | Year Competing | Dish Name | Key Ingredients & Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burger Box (Concord) | 2023 Winner & 2025 Contender | CLT Chopped Cheese | Seasoned ground beef, grilled onions & peppers, melted American cheese on a toasted hero roll with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and Duke’s Mayo. |
| Moo & Brew (Charlotte) | 2024 Winner & 2025 Contender | M&B’s Hot Tomato Burger | Toasted Martin’s potato bun, diablo mayo, house-made pimento cheese, sliced tomatoes, sweet & spicy diced peppadew peppers, M&B Burger Dust, and two strips of applewood bacon. |
Charlotte’s Culinary Lineup: Must-Try Dishes
From classic sandwiches to unexpected twists, Charlotte’s restaurants are serving up an incredible array of tomato and Duke’s Mayo creations. Here’s a glimpse at some of the tempting options you can find:
Brewers at 4001 Yancey
Savor their Heirloom BLT featuring heirloom tomatoes, crispy bacon, and Parmesan herb aioli all nestled on toasted sourdough bread.
- Location: 4001-A Yancey Rd, Charlotte NC 28217
- How to order: Visit the brewery in person.
The Butler’s Pantry
Indulge in the comforting Tomato Pie, crafted with locally grown tomatoes, a homemade crust, fresh basil, olive oil, and a special blend of cheeses and Duke’s Mayo.
- Location: 274 S Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte NC 28211
- How to order: Drop into The Butler’s Pantry.
Cheat’s Cheesesteaks
Try the unique Cheat’s Fried Green Tomato Club, featuring honey Sriracha glazed bacon, Springer Mountain Farms chicken, provolone, sweet pickled peppers, and Duke’s Mayo on a toasted hoagie roll.
- Location: 913 Pecan Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
- How to order: Head to Cheat’s and ask for it.
Diamond Restaurant
Choose from two inventive specials: the savory Mayto Potato (deep-fried potato skin loaded with Duke’s Mayo, topped with whipped tomato purée) or the adventurous cocktail The Blood Diamond (Mezcal, frozen blood diamond cubes, Duke’s Mayo and Tajin rim, mozzarella, onion, and tomato spears).
- Location: 1901 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
- How to order: Stop into The Diamond.
DISH
DISH presents three Duke’s specials: a classic Tomato Pie with pimento cheese, a refreshing Mater-Rita with green tomato and lime, and a simple yet perfect Mater Sandwich on white bread with seasoned tomato slices.
- Location: 1220 Thomas Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
- How to order: In person at the restaurant.
The Goodyear House
Their Tomato Sammies offer a delightful blend of local tomatoes, shoyu mayo, cucumber, onion, and chili crisp, all served on a Hawaiian roll.
- Location: 3032 N Davidson St., Charlotte, NC 28205
- How to order: Visit The Goodyear House.
Groovy Beast
Taste The Heirloomer, an exquisite combination of heirloom tomatoes, pimento cheese, avocado spread, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, micro-arugula, and coarse salt and pepper on toasted sourdough.
- Location: 1611 Westover St, Gastonia, NC 28056
- How to order: Visit in person.
Indaco
Enjoy their inventive Tomato Pizza, topped with local heirloom tomato, fresh basil, and a generous dollop of garlic Duke’s Mayo.
- Location: 2046 South Blvd, Charlotte NC 28203
- How to order: Head to Indaco.
Marlee Jean’s Raw Bar + Kitchen
Visit Marlee Jean’s and ask for their special Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer dish, details coming soon!
- Location: 21 Depot St B, Davidson, NC 28036
- How to order: In person.
Mazi
Experience the sophisticated Tomato Carpaccio, featuring heirloom and cured green tomatoes, a delicate Duke’s Mayo mousse, smoked trout, and cornbread gremolata.
- Location: 1300 South Blvd. Suite 101-F, Charlotte, NC 28203
- How to order: Visit Mazi.
Merchant & Trade
At this rooftop bar, enjoy the Southern Tomato and Duke’s Mayo Sandwich, complete with local tomato and Duke’s Garlic Mayo on a house-baked tomato biscuit, served with fries and Duke’s Basil Aioli for dipping.
- Location: 303 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202
- How to order: Visit the rooftop bar.
Milkbread
Their Heirloom Tomato BLT is a must-try, combining heirloom tomato, apple cider bacon, local lettuce, Duke’s Mayo, and Verdant sourdough.
- Locations: 1431 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205; 525 South Tryon, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28202; 624 Jetton St., Davidson, NC 28036
- How to order: Visit one of their three locations or order online.
Mizu
Experience a sushi-inspired take with the BLT Roll, featuring Nusekes bacon, butter lettuce, local tomato relish, and garlic aioli.
- Location: Hyatt Centric Charlotte Southpark, 3100 Apex Dr 9th Floor, Charlotte, NC 28211
- How to order: Visit Mizu.
Noble Smoke
Their Two Napkin BLT is a hearty option on Copain rye bread with local heirloom tomatoes, fresh gem lettuce, American cheese, Cheshire Farms bacon, and Duke’s Mayo.
- Location: 2216 Freedom Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208
- How to order: Visit Noble Smoke.
Oak Steakhouse
Enjoy a refined appetizer with their Smoked Tomato Deviled Egg, prepared with Old Bay, Duke’s Mayo, tomato herb relish, and Nusekes bacon.
- Location: 4777 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210
- How to order: Visit Oak.
O-Ku
For a truly unique experience, try the Foie Gras Toast on toasted milk bread with Duke’s miso garlic aioli, seared foie gras, tomato jam, black garlic salt, and shiso leaf.
- Location: 2000 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
- How to order: Visit O-Ku.
The People’s Market
Their Guanciale Bacon Burger is a standout, featuring a chuck, short rib, and brisket patty mixed with Duke’s, guanciale bacon, sharp cheddar, pickled tomato jam, arugula, and Duke’s Mayo on a roasted tomato brioche bun.
- Location: 1609 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
- How to order: Visit The People’s Market’s original location.
Pinky’s Westside Grill
Order The Capri Burger, featuring a 5-ounce beef patty, double provolone cheese, fresh tomatoes, Basil Duke’s Mayo, mixed greens, and a balsamic glaze.
- Locations: 1600 W. Morehead St., Charlotte NC 28208; 9818 Gilead Road Suite 101B, Huntersville, NC 28078
- How to order: Visit one of Pinky’s two locations.
Room Service
Indulge in two creative options: The Mayo Returns pt.2 (a spicy margarita with cherry tomato oleo and salted tomato-mayo foam) or Is There Tomato on this?? (a sandwich with Duke’s Mayo, Bacon, shredded lettuce, and heirloom tomato on sourdough bread).
- Location: Camp North End, 300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206 (Keswick District Suite 105)
- How to order: Visit Room Service.
Sea Level
Their Halibut Tostada is a fresh seafood option with roasted tomato aguachile, avocado mousse, cilantro, corn tostadas, red cabbage, red onion, sweet corn, and red bell pepper.
- Location: 129 East 5th St., Charlotte, NC 28202
- How to order: Visit Sea Level.
Sweet Lew’s
Try the Southern Panzanella Salad, featuring local Small City Farm tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, bacon jam, sharp cheddar, pimento, cornbread croutons, and a Duke’s Mayo Green Goddess dressing.
- Location: 923 Belmont Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
- How to order: Stop into Sweet Lew’s.
The Teal Turnip
Prepare for innovative desserts! They’re offering The Mod Tom with Duke’s Mayo and prosciutto ice cream, and Grannie’s Secret Ingredient Chocolate Cake with roasted tomato buttercream frosting.
- Location: 1640 Oakhurst Commons Dr, Suite 105, Charlotte, NC 28205
- How to order: Visit The Teal Turnip.
Thoughtful Baking Co.
Their Tomato Pimento Cheese Pie combines local tomatoes and house-made pimento cheese, all baked in a buttery pie crust.
- Location: Varies (Online delivery or farm-to-fridge sites like Birdsong Brewing Co. and Traditions)
- How to order: Online for delivery or find at their farm-to-fridge sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer?
It’s a culinary competition from July 17-27 where local restaurants create dishes featuring summer tomatoes and Duke’s Mayonnaise, competing for the Golden Tomato trophy. - How do I vote for my favorite dish?
After trying a participating restaurant’s special dish, you can cast your vote online at the official Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer website. - Can I win prizes by participating?
Yes! Post a picture of your meal on social media, tag Duke’s Mayonnaise and the participating restaurant, and you could be randomly selected to win cash via Venmo. - Where can I find a full list of participating restaurants?
While many are listed here, you can find the complete list of all 46 Charlotte restaurants and their specials on the official Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer website. - What kind of dishes can I expect?
Expect a wide range from classic BLTs and tomato pies to unique burgers, seafood, cocktails, and even desserts, all featuring the star ingredient: summer tomatoes and Duke’s Mayo.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate local cuisine and enjoy the peak of summer’s bounty. Head out, explore Charlotte’s diverse food scene, and help crown this year’s Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer champion!
Charlotte Dukes Hot Tomato Challenge Returns
