Fútbol fever is currently sweeping the nation, but hot on its heels, America’s even bigger obsession — football — is inching closer to kickoff, as summer training camps get underway. In foodservice, we’re obsessed with pairings, and few things pair better with our national pastime than bold, iconic mayo (starring that unmistakable twang!) that turns every plate into a big play.

Are y’all ready for ball? I know Tubby, the Duke’s® mascot, is ready to spread the love. Football season is about much more than the games alone; it’s a playbook full of opportunity — from watch parties, to tailgates, to college students storming back on campus. Everybody wants a bite with a not-so-secret ingredient that takes the standard to spectacular.

Classic Condiment

With Southern roots dating back nearly 110 years to 1917, Duke’s is an integral part of college football culture. So much so that the Duke’s Mayo Classic in Charlotte has become an early season showcase on the schedule — this year featuring an old-school mountain clash between Virginia and West Virginia on Sept. 19th.

Consider how Duke’s Mayo can add a touch of twang (Southern tradition + apple cider vinegar tang) to LTOs or carryout tailgate offerings as the season gets underway:

• Like cheesy, buttery, shareable Philly Cheesesteak Sliders, featuring Duke’s Mayo slathered on both halves of a classic slider bun.

• Duke’s Mayo, Duke’s Spicy Ground Mustard, and paprika bring creamy goodness and zest to striking Deviled Egg Pasta Salad.

• Or how about Duke’s Mayo, Dijon mustard, horseradish, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce putting some serious twang in decadent Crawfish Rolls?

The College Try

If it’s football season, that means literally millions of students are returning to college towns across the U.S. They may be football obsessed, but they’re even more hooked on dining in groups with friends and documenting the experience on their socials.

Ensure your spot is on the must-have list with shareables and weekly specials:

• Get on the swicy, international train with Sweet Asian Lollipop Wings for the table. Duke’s Mayo is the ingredient that pulls together Asian Pride® Sweet Chili Sauce, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper for a taste bud-popping flavor burst.

• Younger generations can’t stop, won’t stop dipping. Mexican-style Elote Dip continues to turn heads on menus with Duke’s adding street-food twang or roll tide by featuring Alabama White Sauce BBQ Chicken Nachos, a loaded crowd-pleaser with Duke’s Alabama White Sauce as MVP.

• Speaking of rolling, students aren’t always rolling in dough, so a discount Burger Night is one way to pack the house. Highlight Duke’s Juicy Burgers, a craveable, yet simple recipe that lets a schmear of Duke’s Mayo take the flavor center stage.

The Social Ladder

You may have noticed, but Duke’s is something of a social media darling. And that carries quite the cache with college football fans. These days, there’s just as much fun involving crowd participation and mascots as the action on the field! That stretches all the way to early January, when the Duke’s Mayo Bowl captivates the football world with great teams and an a-mayo-zing coach’s celebration — the winning mayo bath!

So, get a jump on the country’s most unique holiday dessert prep, taken to a bowl-worthy level, with Duke’s as a secret ingredient:

• Tubby’s crazy eyebrows are going haywire at the thought of just one piece of Duke’s Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake, a viral sensation so moist and rich, it’ll distract the most focused football coach.

• Or go the “swavory” route with eat-‘em-anywhere Bacon Pecan Bars, the ultimate in holiday tailgating indulgence.

Sports fanatics associate Duke’s with football, fun, and flavor. Bringing just a few touches of Duke’s Mayo to recipes and shouting the brand out on menu boards and your socials can help you connect with adventurous, loyal diners — and one very excited Tubby!

*Content provided in collaboration with Duke’s.